What must a search warrant specify to be valid?

• A. The date and time of the search only
• B. The place to be searched and the items or persons to be seized, based on probable cause
• C. The suspect's prior criminal history
• D. The police officer's personal preferences

Answer: (B)

A valid search warrant must identify precisely what authorizes the search: where you can search and what you may seize, and there must be probable cause supporting that there is evidence or contraband linked to a crime in that place. This means the warrant specifies the exact location and the items or persons to be seized, described with enough particularity to distinguish them. The basis for issuing the warrant must be probable cause and the warrant should be issued by a neutral magistrate after the appropriate oath or affirmation.

That’s why selecting the option that includes both the place to be searched and the items or persons to be seized, grounded in probable cause, is correct. The other options miss essential elements: listing only date and time is insufficient, prior criminal history isn’t required, and the officer’s preferences aren’t legally relevant.