search warrant

noun

Law.

1. a court order authorizing the examination of a dwelling or other private premises by police officials, as for stolen goods.

search warrant

noun

1. a written order issued by a justice of the peace authorizing a constable or other officer to enter and search premises for stolen goods, drugs, etc

Word History and Origins

Origin of search warrant¹

First recorded in 1730–40

Example Sentences

Orange County investigators “immediately” began the investigation, according to the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, and conducted interviews and analyzed “digital evidence,” which could include phone and email records, as well as search warrants.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Sheriff’s detectives and FBI agents served a search warrant at the Buzzard home where a makeshift memorial on the sidewalk includes a picture of the curly haired girl.

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One of the suspects claimed to have a search warrant, and when the resident asked what it was for, the men barged into the house.

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"Three people were detained and spoken to during the search warrants. At this point, no criminal charges have been filed," he said in a statement to AFP.

Read more on Barron's

Authorities served a search warrant in the 400 block of Vancouver Avenue, which is opposite Garfield High School and Monterey Continuation High School.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• summons