Okuzeka
Criminal Law & Justice vocabulary · Police Investigation & Arrest

Warrant

Meaning in criminal law & justice, with examples

/ˈwɒrənt/nounCore term

In criminal law & justice, warrant means: An official document signed by a judge that allows the police to do something, such as arrest a person or search a property.

In Turkish: yakalama kararı, arama kararı, müzekkere

How it is used

Judges 'issue' warrants and police 'execute' them. The two most common are an 'arrest warrant' and a 'search warrant'; 'a warrant is out for his arrest' means the police are looking for him. Acting 'without a warrant' often raises questions about whether evidence is admissible.

Example sentences

  1. Police obtained a search warrant for the flat.

  2. A warrant has been issued for his arrest.

  3. Officers entered the building without a warrant.

Common collocations

  • arrest warrant
  • search warrant
  • issue a warrant
  • execute a warrant
  • European Arrest Warrant
  • arrestTo take a person into police control using legal powers, usually because they are suspected of a crime; the noun 'arrest' names this act.
  • seizeTo take something away officially using legal powers, for example drugs, weapons, documents or money connected with a crime.
  • investigationThe process in which police or prosecutors collect facts and evidence to find out whether a crime was committed and who committed it.
  • on the runTrying to avoid being caught by the police, usually by hiding or moving from place to place after a crime or an escape.

More terms: Police Investigation & Arrest

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This page explains English vocabulary for learners. It is not legal advice.