Which statement about warrants is most accurate regarding issuance?

• A. Verbal permission from the suspect
• B. A civil lawsuit filed by the landlord
• C. A signed confession from the accused
• D. A written court order supported by probable cause

Answer: (D)

At the heart of issuing a warrant is the need for a neutral judicial authority to authorize police action. A warrant must be a written court order supported by probable cause presented to and approved by a judge or magistrate. This makes the option describing a written court order backed by probable cause the most accurate. Verbal permission from the suspect would amount to consent, not a warrant. A civil lawsuit by a landlord and a signed confession do not authorize police to search or arrest; they do not constitute a court order permitting police action. The key idea is that a warrant is formal written authorization grounded in probable cause, issued by a court.