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Version status: In force | Document consolidation status: Updated to reflect all known changes
Version date: 12 November 2020 - onwards
Version 2 of 2

Article 41 Warrants

(1) A judge may issue a warrant in relation to any premises for the purpose of article 40(1)(a) where satisfied that -

(a) there are reasonable grounds for the exercise of the power in that sub-paragraph; and

(b) one or more of the conditions in paragraph (2) are fulfilled in relation to the premises.

(2) The conditions referred to in paragraph (1)(b) are that -

(a) the exercise of the power by consent in relation to the premises has been refused;

(b) a refusal of consent to the exercise of the power is reasonably expected;

(c) the premises are unoccupied;

(d) the occupier is temporarily absent from the premises and the case is one of urgency; or

(e) a request for admission to the premises would defeat the purpose of the entry.

(3) A warrant in accordance with this article continues to have effect until the purpose for which it was issued has been fulfilled.

(4) In paragraph (1), "judge" means -

(a) in England or Wales, a justice of the peace;

(b) in Northern Ireland, a lay magistrate;