Do mayors have authority to issue warrants for felonies?

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Sometimes
• D. Not specified

Answer: (B)

Warrant issuance is a judicial function, not an executive one. A neutral judge or magistrate reviews the evidence and determines probable cause before a search or arrest warrant is issued. Mayors are executives who manage city operations and policy, not judges who decide on criminal process. In practice, law enforcement or prosecutors gather the necessary information and present it to a judge; if the standard is met, the judge issues the warrant. That separation protects due process and prevents the concentration of power in a single official. So, mayors do not have authority to issue warrants for felonies.