What constitutes valid execution of a warrant?

• A. Compliance with terms and knock and announce.
• B. Entry without notice when danger is present.
• C. Entering a residence at night without justification.
• D. Any entry that finds something of value.

Answer: (A)

The key idea is that a warrant must be executed in a way that follows its terms and respects the knock-and-announce requirement. When officers act, they should present the warrant, identify themselves, and knock and announce before entering, unless there are exigent circumstances that justify a no-knock entry. The search must also be limited to what the warrant describes and be conducted in a reasonable manner. This combination—adhering to the warrant’s scope and performing knock-and-announce—defines valid execution.

If entry occurs without notice only in the presence of legitimate danger or urgent need, that can be justified, but it isn’t the default rule and isn’t what’s being tested here. Entering at night or without justification, or finding something valuable regardless of how the entry was conducted, doesn’t by itself prove valid execution.