Describe "search warrants" in relation to probable cause.

Search warrants are judicial orders that allow law enforcement to conduct a search of a specified location for evidence of a crime. The issuance of a search warrant is contingent on a magistrate's determination of probable cause, which means there must be a legitimate reason to believe that evidence related to a crime is likely to be found in the location specified in the warrant. This requirement for probable cause ensures that searches are not conducted arbitrarily and that individuals' rights are protected under the Fourth Amendment.

The process involves law enforcement presenting evidence to a judge or magistrate, who evaluates whether the information provided is sufficient to justify the search. By requiring probable cause, the system acts as a check on law enforcement, ensuring that searches are reasonable and legally justified. Therefore, the correct understanding of search warrants highlights their reliance on probable cause as a foundational principle.