What is the primary purpose of a search warrant?

The primary purpose of a search warrant is to legally authorize a search. A search warrant is a document issued by a judge or magistrate that grants law enforcement the authority to search a specific location for specific evidence related to a crime. This legal authorization ensures that individuals' Fourth Amendment rights against unreasonable searches and seizures are upheld. Without a search warrant, any evidence collected during a search may be deemed inadmissible in court, as it could be considered a violation of constitutional rights.

While other options might address different aspects of law enforcement procedures, they do not encompass the fundamental function of a search warrant as effectively. For instance, the act of arresting a suspect requires different legal grounds, and the seizure of property typically involves consent or a different legal framework unless a warrant is involved. Similarly, while determining probable cause is essential in the process of obtaining a search warrant, it is a step that leads to the creation of the warrant rather than its primary purpose.