What is required for a probable cause search warrant?

For a probable cause search warrant, specific facts presented under oath are essential. This requirement ensures that the grounds for the warrant are substantial and not based solely on a hunch or general suspicion. The law mandates that before a search warrant is issued, an officer must provide a sworn affidavit detailing the specific facts that lead to probable cause. These facts must show that there is a reasonable belief that evidence of a crime will be found in the location to be searched.

This rigorous standard protects individuals' Fourth Amendment rights against unreasonable searches and seizures by ensuring that neutral judges evaluate the merits of the case based on concrete evidence rather than vague or unsupported accusations. Therefore, presenting specific facts under oath serves to substantiate the need for a search and provides a legal foundation for the warrant's issuance.