What is an arrest warrant?

An arrest warrant is a legal document issued by a judge or magistrate that authorizes law enforcement officials to arrest an individual suspected of a crime. The warrant typically contains the individual's name, details of the alleged crime, and other pertinent information that justifies the arrest. This document is essential for protecting the rights of individuals by ensuring that law enforcement operates within the bounds of the law; they cannot simply arrest anyone without evidence and due process.

The other options do not relate directly to what an arrest warrant represents. A request for a new trial pertains to the appeal process within the legal system, while a notification of charges is usually part of the initial stages of criminal proceedings, often referred to as an indictment or information, rather than a warrant for arrest. The final option regarding an appeal against a conviction is similarly unrelated, focusing instead on post-conviction processes rather than the authority to arrest a suspect.