What is a writ issued by a court directing any peace officer in the state to arrest a person accused of an offense called?

A writ issued by a court that directs any peace officer in the state to arrest a person accused of an offense is known as a capias. This legal instrument is used to ensure that an accused individual is brought before the court to answer to charges against them. A capias serves as an order for law enforcement to take the individual into custody and is typically issued in situations where the person has either failed to appear in court or when charges have been formally filed against them.

Understanding the distinctions between a capias and other legal terms is crucial. A subpoena, for instance, compels a witness to appear in court or produce evidence but does not relate to arresting a suspect. A summons serves to notify a defendant that they are being sued or need to respond to a legal action but does not carry the authority to arrest. An indictment is a formal charge or accusation of a serious crime, which does not directly issue a command for law enforcement to arrest. Therefore, the capias is specifically designed for the purpose of arresting an individual accused of an offense, making it the appropriate answer.