An arrest warrant is:

• A. A court order authorizing the arrest of a named individual.
• B. A private citizen's arrest.
• C. A court order to seize property.
• D. A police policy on arrests.

Answer: (A)

At the heart of this concept is a court-issued order that directs law enforcement to arrest a specific person. An arrest warrant names the individual or provides a precise description of who must be taken into custody and is issued after a judge or magistrate finds probable cause based on evidence or sworn statements. It gives officers the legal authority to detain the person and typically can be executed wherever the person can be found, within the warrant’s validity.

This is different from other options because a private citizen’s arrest is not a court order and relies on the citizen’s action rather than judicial authorization. A court order to seize property involves taking assets, not arresting a person. And a police policy on arrests is internal guidance, not a legal mandate authorizing custody of a named individual.