Arrest warrants may be issued by whom?

Arrest warrants are judicial orders that authorize law enforcement to take an individual into custody. The correct answer is that these warrants are issued by judges. Judges have the legal authority to evaluate the evidence presented to them, usually in the form of an affidavit from law enforcement officers, to determine whether there is probable cause to believe that a crime has been committed and that the individual named in the warrant is the one who committed it. This is a crucial safeguard in the legal process, ensuring that individuals cannot be arrested without just cause.

Law enforcement officers may request or seek an arrest warrant, but they do not possess the authority to issue one. Prosecutors, while involved in the criminal justice process, do not have the power to issue warrants; their role primarily involves bringing charges and representing the state in court. Juries, on the other hand, are tasked with determining the guilt or innocence of defendants during a trial and do not have any involvement in the warrant issuance process. Thus, the role of the judge in this context is central to maintaining the integrity of the judicial system and protecting the rights of individuals.