Definition
An arrest warrant is a legal document issued by a judge or magistrate authorizing law enforcement to arrest a specific person. It's like a permission slip from the court to take someone into custody. The warrant is based on probable cause, meaning there's a reasonable belief the person committed a crime. Think of it as the police needing to show their homework (evidence) before they can make an arrest. Without a warrant, an arrest might be unlawful, except in specific circumstances, like if a crime is committed in front of the officer. So, it protects people from arbitrary arrests.