Which statement accurately describes the distinction between an arrest warrant and a search warrant?

• A. An arrest warrant authorizes detention of a person.
• B. A search warrant authorizes detention of premises.
• C. An arrest warrant authorizes detention of a person; a search warrant authorizes a search of premises.
• D. Both require no probable cause.

Answer: (C)

The key idea is the difference in purpose and scope between the two types of warrants. An arrest warrant is issued when there’s probable cause to believe a specific person committed a crime, and it lets officers detain that person. A search warrant is issued when there’s probable cause to believe evidence of a crime is at a particular location, and it lets officers search the specified premises and seize described items. That contrast is exactly what the correct statement conveys: an arrest warrant authorizes detention of a person; a search warrant authorizes a search of premises. The other options miss the distinction or misstate what a warrant can or cannot do, and they wrongly imply that probable cause isn’t required for either.