Magistrates issue charges based on sworn statements by which individuals?

Magistrates issue charges based on sworn statements by which individuals?

• A. Prosecutors
• B. Defendants
• C. Police officers, sheriff's deputies and citizens
• D. Judges

Answer: (C)

Magistrates issue warrants or charges based on a sworn statement that shows probable cause. The person who provides that sworn statement must have direct knowledge of the offense or be reporting what they witnessed. This is typically a police officer or sheriff’s deputy, or a private citizen who observed the crime. Prosecutors and defendants don’t provide the sworn statement used to justify the warrant, and judges don’t rely on a prosecutor’s or defendant’s sworn statement to issue charges. The magistrate’s decision rests on the oath made in the sworn statement from those with knowledge of the incident.

Magistrates issue warrants or charges based on a sworn statement that shows probable cause. The person who provides that sworn statement must have direct knowledge of the offense or be reporting what they witnessed. This is typically a police officer or sheriff’s deputy, or a private citizen who observed the crime. Prosecutors and defendants don’t provide the sworn statement used to justify the warrant, and judges don’t rely on a prosecutor’s or defendant’s sworn statement to issue charges. The magistrate’s decision rests on the oath made in the sworn statement from those with knowledge of the incident.