A warrant may be used to seize which of the following individuals?

• A. A person whose arrest is supported by probable cause
• B. A person walking by with no cause
• C. A person with no probable cause
• D. A person who is unrelated to criminal activity

Answer: (A)

A warrant lets law enforcement seize a person only when there is probable cause that the person committed a crime. Probable cause means there is enough evidence to make a reasonable belief that the person is involved in criminal activity. A properly issued arrest warrant must name or describe the person with enough detail and be issued by a judge based on that probable cause.

If there is no probable cause, or if the person has no connection to criminal activity, a warrant cannot justify seizing them. Walking by with no cause, or a person with no probable cause, or someone unrelated to crime would not meet the legal standard for a warranted arrest. Therefore, the only situation that fits is the one where the arrest is supported by probable cause.