Criminal Law

Bench Warrant

A warrant issued directly by a judge from the bench, usually when a party fails to appear despite being required to.

A bench warrant is issued by the court itself, often on the spot, when a person required to be present — an accused, witness, or sometimes even a party to a civil case — fails to appear without sufficient explanation.

It compels the person's presence before the court and can, depending on the circumstances, be bailable or non-bailable.

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