capias

American  

[key-pee-uhs, kap-ee-] / ˈkeɪ pi əs, ˈkæp i- /

noun

Law.

1. a writ commanding an officer to take a specified person into custody.

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capias British  

/ ˈkeɪpɪˌæs, ˈkæp- /

noun

1. law (formerly) a writ directing a sheriff or other officer to arrest a named person

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Etymology

Origin of capias

1400–50; late Middle English < Latin: literally, you are to take, subjunctive 2nd person singular of capere

Example Sentences

The most common use for a capias writ is as an arrest warrant for defendants in criminal cases who do not show up for their scheduled court date.

From Encyclopedia.com • Jun. 6, 2018

If the defendant does not show up, then the bond is revoked and the courts will issue a capias warrant for the defendant’s arrest.

From Encyclopedia.com • Jun. 6, 2018

Before being able to issue a capias warrant, a judge must have compelling evidence against the defendant and be absolutely certain that the warrant is being properly applied.

From Encyclopedia.com • Jun. 6, 2018

In various capacities, capias warrants can also be used in family and civil courts to bring in people who were supposed to make a scheduled court date.

From Encyclopedia.com • Jun. 6, 2018

After the decision of Judge Leavitt, Sheriff Brashears surrendered the four fugitives in his custody, under a capias from an Ohio court, to United States Marshal Robinson.

From The Fugitive Slave Law and Its Victims Anti-Slavery Tracts No. 18 by American Anti-Slavery Society