What must a lawful search warrant be based on?

A lawful search warrant must be based on probable cause and specific details to ensure that the warrant is valid and legally enforceable. Probable cause refers to a reasonable ground for belief that a crime has been committed or that evidence of a crime can be found in the place to be searched. This standard protects individuals' rights against unreasonable searches and seizures as provided by the Fourth Amendment.

Specific details in the warrant are also crucial because they clearly outline what is to be searched and what is being sought, helping to prevent broad and indiscriminate searches. This requirement helps maintain respect for personal privacy and property rights while allowing law enforcement to conduct investigations effectively. The inclusion of detailed descriptions of the location and items sought ensures that law enforcement has a specific target for their search, which aligns with legal standards to safeguard individual liberties.

While information from confidential informants, witness statements, and surveillance footage can contribute to building probable cause, they do not, by themselves, satisfy the requirement for a lawful search warrant unless they are adequately linked to specific, detailed circumstances that support a reasonable belief of criminal activity or evidence related to an ongoing investigation.