Which statement about evaluating warrants is true?

• A. A neutral magistrate must assess probable cause before issuing a warrant
• B. A warrant may be issued by a district attorney without magistrate review
• C. A peace officer can issue a search warrant on their own
• D. Warrants are optional in most cases

Answer: (A)

The key idea here is that warrants must be reviewed by a neutral decision-maker to establish probable cause. A sworn statement with the facts and circumstances is presented to a magistrate, who independently weighs whether those facts amount to probable cause that a crime is being committed or that evidence of a crime will be found at the location. Only if the magistrate agrees is a warrant issued. This safeguards against subjective or biased police actions and upholds the Fourth Amendment’s requirement for an impartial evaluation of probable cause.

The other statements conflict with that protection. A district attorney cannot issue a warrant on their own without magistrate review, and a peace officer cannot unilaterally issue a search warrant. Warrants are not optional in the vast majority of cases, though there are narrow exceptions (like exigent circumstances) where a warrant may be bypassed.