New York State Private Investigator Practice Exam

What type of court document allows law enforcement to act on an arrest?

1. A motion

2. A ruling

3. A warrant

4. A deposition

The correct answer is: A warrant

A warrant is the correct type of court document that authorizes law enforcement to take action on an arrest. It is issued by a judge or magistrate and grants law enforcement the legal authority to arrest an individual suspected of a crime. The warrant must contain specific details, such as the name of the person to be arrested and the nature of the offense, ensuring that the law enforcement officers have the legal backing to detain the individual. In contrast, a motion is a request made to a court for a specific ruling or order but does not itself authorize law enforcement actions. A ruling is the decision made by a judge regarding a case, whereas a deposition is a formal statement taken under oath, typically used to gather evidence in a civil case. Neither of these two options facilitates an arrest; they serve different functions within the judicial process. Thus, a warrant is uniquely positioned as the necessary legal instrument that enables law enforcement to conduct an arrest.