SEARCH WARRANT
search warrant.Criminal law. A judge’s written order authorizing a law-enforcement officer to
conduct a search of a specified place and to seize evidence. See Fed. R. Crim. P. 41. — Also
termed search-and-seizure warrant. See WARRANT(1). [Cases: Searches and Seizures 101.
C.J.S. Searches and Seizures §§ 128–132, 149.]
anticipatory search warrant.A search warrant based on an affidavit showing probable cause
that evidence of a certain crime (such as illegal drugs) will be located at a specific place in the
future. [Cases: Searches and Seizures 122. C.J.S. Searches and Seizures § 172.]
blanket search warrant. 1. A single search warrant that authorizes the search of more than one
area. 2. An unconstitutional warrant that authorizes the seizure of everything found at a given
location, without specifying which items may be seized.
covert-entry search warrant.A warrant authorizing law-enforcement officers to clandestinely
enter private premises in the absence of the owner or occupant without prior notice, and to search
the premises and collect intangible evidence, esp. photographs and eyewitness information. •
Although previously used in federal criminal investigations, these types of warrants were first
given express statutory authority by the USA Patriot Act. 18 USCA § 3103a. Information gathered
while executing a sneak-and-peek warrant can later be used to support a search warrant under
which physical evidence can be seized. — Also termed sneak-and-peek search warrant;
surreptitious-entry search warrant.
no-knock search warrant.A search warrant that authorizes the police to enter premises
without knocking and announcing their presence and purpose before entry because a prior
announcement would lead to the destruction of the objects searched for or would endanger the
safety of the police or another person. Cf. KNOCK-AND-ANNOUNCE RULE. [Cases: Searches
and Seizures 143.1. C.J.S. Searches and Seizures §§ 195–201.]
sneak-and-peek search warrant.See covert-entry search warrant.
surreptitious-entry search warrant.See covert-entry search warrant. sea lane.Int’l & maritime law. A designated course or regularly used route for ships, esp. in
restricted waters such as harbors and straits. • Although sea lanes have obvious safety advantages,
they were long resisted by sea captains, who saw them as a threat to their freedom to navigate. [Blacks Law 8th]