What is defined as a written command from a magistrate directing a peace officer to take custody of an accused person?

A warrant is a written command issued by a magistrate that authorizes a peace officer to take custody of an accused person. This legal document establishes the authority for law enforcement to arrest someone and bring them into custody, thereby ensuring that the individual's rights are upheld while also maintaining public safety.

The significance of a warrant lies in its requirement for judicial oversight before an arrest can be made, reflecting a critical balance between the power of law enforcement and the rights of individuals. It indicates that there is sufficient probable cause to justify the arrest, providing a crucial check against arbitrary detention.

Other options lack the same judicial mandate for arrest. A subpoena is primarily a command to appear in court or produce evidence, while a writ of habeas corpus is used to challenge unlawful detention, requiring someone holding another to justify their lawful authority to do so. A notice of arraignment is simply a communication informing an accused person of the time and place they are to appear in court, but it does not carry the authority to arrest. Thus, the warrant specifically pertains to taking custody of an accused person based on judicial approval.