Searching
/ˈsɜːrtʃɪŋ/
Definitions
- (n.) The act of law enforcement or authorized personnel conducting a systematic inspection of premises or persons to find evidence or contraband.
The officers obtained a warrant before the searching of the suspect’s home.
- (v.) Present participle of search, referring to the act of looking for evidence or contraband under legal authority.
The police were searching the vehicle when they found illegal substances.
Forms
- searches
- searched
Related terms
See also
Commentary
In legal contexts, "searching" usually relates to criminal procedure involving searches under constitutional or statutory authority, often requiring a warrant or probable cause.
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.