Search warrants are issued by which of the following authorities?

• A. Judge, magistrate, or other issuing authority (clerk of the court)
• B. Police officer
• C. District attorney
• D. Public defender

Answer: (A)

Warrants must come from a neutral judicial authority—typically a judge or magistrate—who reviews the facts and signs the document if probable cause is shown. This safeguards constitutional rights by ensuring the decision to search is made by someone not biased in the case. The process usually starts with an affidavit from the evaluating authority, often the police, laying out the probable cause, and the judge or magistrate determines whether that cause meets the legal standard before authorizing the search. In some jurisdictions, an issuing authority such as the clerk of the court may issue warrants under delegated authority, but the core act of authorizing the search rests with a judicial officer. Police officers, prosecutors (district attorneys), and public defenders do not issue warrants themselves; they may seek or argue for a warrant, but the final authorization comes from the appropriate issuing authority.