Who signs a warrant?

• A. Sheriff
• B. Magistrate
• C. Defense attorney
• D. Judge

Answer: (B)

A warrant is signed by a neutral judicial official who has the authority to issue it after reviewing the facts and probable cause presented in an affidavit. In most jurisdictions, that role is filled by a magistrate, who examines the evidence and signs the warrant to authorize the police action. This safeguards constitutional rights by ensuring the request for authority to act is backed by lawful probable cause. The sheriff is a law enforcement officer and does not sign warrants in the typical process. The defense attorney does not have authority to sign warrants. A judge can also issue warrants, but many procedures designate the magistrate specifically as the signer in the initial warrant application process, making magistrate the best answer in this context.