What is the legal order that authorizes the arrest and detention of an individual?

A warrant is the legal order that authorizes law enforcement to arrest and detain an individual. It is issued by a judge or magistrate and typically requires probable cause, meaning there is sufficient evidence to support the belief that the individual has committed a crime. The warrant provides the legal backing necessary for police to lawfully apprehend a suspect and ensures that the individual's constitutional rights are respected by requiring judicial oversight before an arrest.

In contrast, a subpoena is a legal document that requires an individual to appear in court or produce evidence, but it does not authorize an arrest. A summons is a document issued by the court to notify an individual of a legal proceeding against them and can require them to appear in court, yet it does not serve the purpose of detaining someone. A citation is often issued for minor offenses (like traffic violations) and does not carry the authority to arrest an individual; it is more of a notice to appear in court for a specific infraction.