What is a 'search warrant'?

A search warrant is a legal document specifically designed to authorize law enforcement officers to search a designated location for evidence related to a crime. This document is crucial in balancing the necessity of law enforcement to investigate crimes and the rights of individuals to be free from unreasonable searches and seizures, as protected by the law.

To obtain a search warrant, authorities must present probable cause to a judge, who then issues the warrant if they find the justification compelling. This process ensures that searches are conducted legally and with oversight, reducing the potential for abuse of power by law enforcement.

Other options do not correctly define a search warrant. The first option relates more to how criminal charges are initiated rather than the process of searching for evidence. The second option discusses a legal concept regarding defendant protections, which is unrelated to search warrants. The fourth option involves the detention of a suspect, which pertains to arrest procedures rather than searches, emphasizing the focused role that a search warrant plays in legal investigations.