What does an "arrest warrant" signify?

An arrest warrant signifies a formal authorization issued by a judge or magistrate that commands law enforcement to take a specific individual into custody. This legal document is based on a determination that there is probable cause to believe that the person named in the warrant has committed a crime.

The significance of an arrest warrant is rooted in its role in the criminal justice system: it ensures that an individual's right to due process is upheld by requiring a judge to review the evidence before an arrest can be made. This legal procedure protects against unlawful detentions and provides law enforcement with the necessary authority to carry out an arrest.

In contrast, other options refer to different legal instruments or processes. A search warrant allows police to search premises for evidence of a crime, a notice to appear in court is a summons for someone to attend court but does not imply arrest, and an issued subpoena is a command to testify or produce evidence in a legal proceeding without necessarily involving an arrest. Each of these serves distinct purposes within the legal framework, highlighting the specific function of an arrest warrant in facilitating the lawful apprehension of suspects.