What is an arrest warrant?

An arrest warrant is fundamentally a legal document issued by a judge or magistrate that authorizes law enforcement to take an individual into custody. The requirement for a warrant comes from the need to protect individuals' rights, ensuring that a judge reviews the evidence presented by law enforcement before determining whether there is probable cause to justify an arrest. This process upholds the legal standards set forth to balance public safety with individual rights.

The answer indicating that it is a legal document allowing for the arrest and detention of an individual emphasizes the formalities and guarantees provided by the judicial system. It underscores the importance of a warrant as a safeguard against arbitrary arrest, thereby making it a crucial element in the enforcement of the law. In contrast, other options like a document issued by a police officer to detain a suspect misrepresent the authority of warrants, while minor offense citations and notifications of charges do not pertain to the formal judicial authorization of arrests.