New York State Court Clerk Practice Exam

A bench warrant is issued by which court?

1. Civil court

2. Family court

3. Criminal court

4. Supreme court

The correct answer is: Criminal court

A bench warrant is primarily associated with the criminal justice system and is issued by a criminal court. This type of warrant is typically issued when a person fails to appear in court after being summoned or if there is a violation of a court order. The authority of a criminal court includes the power to enforce compliance with its orders, and issuing a bench warrant is a means to compel an individual to face legal proceedings. While civil courts and family courts can also issue orders to compel attendance in certain situations, bench warrants specifically pertain to criminal matters. The Supreme Court in New York, functioning at a higher level, can also issue bench warrants but does so in the context of its jurisdiction over criminal cases. Therefore, the primary context in which bench warrants are generally discussed and issued is within the scope of criminal courts, making this answer the most accurate response to the question.