What must a search or arrest warrant specify to be valid?

• A. The name of the judge who issued it, the time, place, and what is being searched or arrested.
• B. Only the location to be searched.
• C. Only the items to be seized.
• D. Only the officer's personal reason for the search.

Answer: (C)

Warrants must clearly define the scope and authority behind them. For a warrant to be valid, there needs to be judicial authorization and specifics that limit what can be done. In practice, a search warrant should indicate who issued it (the judge or magistrate), when it was issued, the exact place to be searched, and the specific items to be seized. For an arrest warrant, it should name the person to be arrested and show the authority to arrest.

If a statement only covers the location, or only the items to seize, or only the officer’s stated reason, it leaves out essential boundaries and procedural protections. The combination of issuing authority, timing, location, and scope (what is being searched or who is being arrested) is what makes the warrant valid and enforceable.