Summones And Warrants

Question 1

What is a Warrant?

Answer 1

A warrant is a written authority issued by a magistrate or judge which directs the person(s) to whom it is addressed to do some particular act, which is set out in the warrant.

Question 2

What is a “Commitment Warrant”?

Answer 2

Commitment Warrant - where a person is committed in custody by a court, a warrant is issued authorising the detention, usually in a prison.

Question 3

What is an “Arrest Warrant”?

Answer 3

Arrest Warrant - A warrant to arrest a person may be issued for one of the following reasons:

1) To arrest for an offence
2) Failure to answer a summons
3) Arrest for non-payment of a fine

Question 4

What is a “Summons”

Answer 4

A summons is a written order, signed by a magistrate or clerk of a court, addressed to the accused person, directing the named person to appear at a time and place specified in the summons to:

• Answer the offences detailed in it,

Or

• To give evidence and/or produce exhibits