A search warrant must be supported by what?

• A. Reasonable suspicion
• B. A general belief
• C. Probable cause without oath
• D. Probable cause supported by oath and affirmation

Answer: (D)

This is about the two-part standard for issuing a search warrant: probable cause and an oath or affirmation. Probable cause means there’s a reasonable basis to believe that evidence, fruits of a crime, or contraband is located at the place to be searched. That belief must be grounded in facts, observations, or reliable information rather than guesswork. The oath or affirmation is a sworn statement presented to a neutral magistrate, affirming those facts so the magistrate can evaluate whether probable cause exists. The combination ensures there’s a solid, fact-based justification for the intrusion and a truthful, accountable account behind it.

Reasonable suspicion is a lower standard used for stop-and-frisk situations, not for securing warrants, so it isn’t enough here. A general belief lacks the factual foundation required for a warrant. Probable cause must be tied to sworn information; without the oath or affirmation, the process doesn’t meet the legal requirement to protect against arbitrary searches.