Police may not exceed the limits of a warrant by searching areas outside the warrant. True or false?

• A. Police may search any part of the home they want
• B. Police may not exceed the limits of the warrant by searching areas outside the warrant
• C. Police may search outside if invited by the occupant
• D. Police may search only if they suspect more crimes

Answer: (B)

Scopes of warrants define exactly where and what can be searched. A warrant specifies the place to be searched and the items to be seized with particularity, so officers must stay within those boundaries. If the warrant names the living room and items like burglary tools, they may not rummage into the attic or seize unrelated objects unless the warrant itself covers those areas or a legitimate exception applies (such as consent, exigent circumstances, or another warrant). This protection ensures the search is limited to what is authorized and prevents broad, unfocused intrusions. So the statement is true: police may not exceed the limits of a warrant by searching areas outside the warrant.