What is the purpose of a search warrant?

A search warrant serves as a legal document that authorizes law enforcement officers to conduct a search of a specified location for evidence related to a crime. This document is issued by a judge or magistrate and must be based on probable cause, outlining the reasons why law enforcement believes evidence of a crime is likely to be found at the location specified in the warrant.

The underlying purpose of a search warrant is to protect individuals' Fourth Amendment rights against unreasonable searches and seizures. By requiring law enforcement to obtain a warrant, the judicial system ensures a check against arbitrary governmental intrusion into personal privacy and property. A well-defined search warrant stipulates the area to be searched and the items sought, which helps to limit the scope of the search and reinforces the rule of law.

Other options present ideas that are not related to the function of a search warrant. For instance, while stopping a suspect may involve reasonable suspicion or other legal justifications, it does not require a search warrant. Additionally, granting immunity to a witness or making a contract between a defendant and a prosecutor pertains to legal proceedings and negotiations, rather than the procedural authority to search for evidence.