Bench Warrant
/ˈbɛnʧ ˈwɔːrənt/
Definitions
- (n.) A writ issued by a judge authorizing the arrest of a person who has failed to appear in court or comply with a court order.
The judge issued a bench warrant after the defendant missed the hearing.
Forms
- bench warrants
Related terms
See also
Commentary
Bench warrants are typically discretionary and issued directly by a judicial officer, differing from regular arrest warrants issued by magistrates or police authorities.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.