What is a "search warrant"?

A search warrant is a legal document that authorizes law enforcement officers to search a specified location for evidence related to a criminal investigation and to seize that evidence if found. This document is typically issued by a judge or magistrate, who must be convinced that there is probable cause to believe that evidence of a crime may be located at the specified location. The issuance of a search warrant is a critical aspect of the investigative process, as it ensures that searches are conducted lawfully and that the rights of individuals are protected under the Fourth Amendment, which guards against unreasonable searches and seizures.

The other options represent different aspects of legal and investigative processes but do not specifically define what a search warrant is. For instance, seeking legal advice pertains to the preparation for investigations rather than the actual execution of a search. Summaries provided to judges might occur in various contexts, but they do not correspond to the function of a search warrant. Notifications to suspects are irrelevant to the formal procedure involved with search warrants, which are often executed without prior notice to maintain the integrity of the evidence.