bench warrant

American  

noun

Law.

1. a warrant issued or ordered by a judge or court for the apprehension of an offender.

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bench warrant British  

noun

1. a warrant issued by a judge or court directing that an offender be apprehended

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Etymology

Origin of bench warrant

First recorded in 1690–1700

Example Sentences

That led to a no-bond bench warrant, allowing law enforcement to arrest him.

From BBC • May 25, 2026

When he failed to show up to a hearing in January 2025, a Superior Court judge issued a bench warrant for his arrest, according to court records.

From Los Angeles Times • May 14, 2026

The force said a bench warrant had been issued for the arrests of Imtiaz Ahmed and Fayaz Ahmed.

From BBC • Jan. 17, 2025

After he failed to appear at a June 12 court hearing related to the Glendora arrest, court records show that a bench warrant was issued for his arrest.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 20, 2024

Judge Taylor caught her at it one day and threatened her with a bench warrant.

From "Go Set a Watchman: A Novel" by Harper Lee