Warrant

A warrant is a document granted by a court, such as a sheriff or justice of the peace, that authorises police to take a specific action.

The most common warrants in criminal cases are arrest warrants and search warrants. An arrest warrant authorises police to arrest a named person and bring them before the court. Courts often grant one when someone fails to attend a court hearing without a reasonable excuse, and a petition in a solemn case usually asks for a warrant to arrest the accused. A search warrant authorises police to search premises and take items, for example under drugs or other legislation. Warrants are normally granted by a sheriff or justice of the peace on the application of the Procurator Fiscal or the police. A person who is aware of a warrant for their arrest can speak to a solicitor about handing themselves in.

Checked as at 25 September 2026. General information only, not legal advice.