Which term describes the court order that authorizes the arrest of a named individual?

• A. Arrest warrant
• B. Subpoena
• C. Indictment
• D. Probation order

Answer: (A)

An arrest warrant is the court order that authorizes police to take a named person into custody. It is issued by a judge or magistrate when there is probable cause to believe the person committed a crime, and it specifically identifies who is to be arrested. This document gives law enforcement the legal authority to detain the person and bring them before the court.

Subpoenas require someone to appear or produce evidence but do not authorize arrest. An indictment is a formal charging document that starts criminal proceedings against someone, not a command to arrest. A probation order sets rules and conditions for someone after conviction or sentencing, not the power to arrest.