What is a document called that orders a sheriff to place someone in jail?

The document that orders a sheriff to place someone in jail is referred to simply as a warrant. In legal terms, a warrant is a written order issued by a judge or magistrate that authorizes law enforcement to take a specific action, such as arresting an individual or searching a property.

The issuance of a warrant is a significant legal process that typically requires law enforcement to present sufficient evidence to demonstrate probable cause. This ensures that individuals are not arrested without just cause, preserving the rights of individuals under the law. In this context, a warrant for arrest specifically empowers a sheriff or law enforcement officer to detain the individual named in the warrant, thereby facilitating the proper administration of justice.

In contrast, an arrest warrant is a specific type of warrant issued for the purpose of arresting a suspect, while a citation often refers to a written notice to appear in court for minor offenses. A subpoena, on the other hand, is a document that orders a person to appear in court or produce evidence, rather than to be incarcerated. Thus, while all these documents play important roles in the legal process, the term "warrant" encompasses the broader authority to detain someone as necessitated by law enforcement actions.