Which of the following best describes an 'arrest warrant'?

An arrest warrant is defined as a legal document that is issued by a judge or magistrate, authorizing law enforcement to arrest an individual suspected of a crime. This document typically includes the name of the person to be arrested, the specific charges against them, and sometimes a description of the individual. The issuance of an arrest warrant signifies that there is probable cause to believe that the individual has committed an offense, and it provides law enforcement with the legal authority to take the individual into custody. This process is a vital step in the criminal justice system, ensuring that law enforcement operations are conducted within the bounds of the law, respecting the rights of individuals.

The other options represent different concepts related to the criminal justice system but do not accurately describe what an arrest warrant is. An invitation to court does not involve an authorization for arrest but rather a summons for a person to appear in court. A notice of charges can inform a suspect of the allegations against them but does not grant the authority to take them into custody. A record of confinement pertains to documentation of an individual’s time spent in custody but is separate and distinct from the process of arrest and warrants.