What must search warrants specify according to search and seizure laws?

A search warrant must clearly specify the items to be seized and the places to be searched. This requirement stems from the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which protects individuals from unreasonable searches and seizures. The particularity requirement of a search warrant is crucial to ensure that law enforcement officers do not engage in general searches that could infringe upon individuals' rights.

By specifying the items and locations, the warrant provides a clear framework that delineates the scope of the search, thereby preventing arbitrary or overly broad searches. This specificity also protects citizens by ensuring that the officers' activities are confined to the parameters established in the warrant, which can be reviewed by a neutral magistrate. Without this detail, searches could easily overreach and violate constitutional protections.