If a third party consents to entry into a home, is a search warrant required?

• A. a search warrant is required
• B. no search warrant is required
• C. a warrant is required for entry but not for arrest
• D. only a search warrant is required if the suspect is inside

Answer: (B)

When someone who has actual or apparent authority over a residence voluntarily consents to entry, police can enter and search without a warrant. This is the consent exception to the Fourth Amendment: if the person granting access is authorized to do so for that dwelling and gives voluntary permission, the entry is lawful and the scope of the search is limited to that consent. The occupant need not be present for this to apply, as long as the third party truly has authority over the home. Therefore, a warrant is not required in this situation. The other options would incorrectly imply a blanket requirement for a warrant for entry or mix rules about arrest that don’t apply when valid third‑party consent exists.