A search warrant for a residence authorizes officers to search all outbuildings within the curtilage, even if not named in the warrant, as long as the items to be seized could be found there.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. True only if the outbuildings are attached
• D. True only with the owner's consent

Answer: (A)

When a warrant is issued to search a residence, its reach can extend to structures that are within the curtilage—the area immediately surrounding the home that is part of the dwelling’s privacy zone. If the items the warrant allows you to seize could reasonably be found in those nearby outbuildings, you may search them even if they aren’t specifically named in the warrant.

The important idea is that the warrant’s scope isn’t limited to the exact words “in the house” alone; it covers the premises and anything within the curtilage that could contain the described items. So a shed, a garage, or other outbuildings that sit within that protected area and that could reasonably hold the items you’re authorized to seize are within the warrant’s reach. This keeps the search practical and effective while respecting the homeowner’s privacy within the curtilage.

If the outbuildings are outside the curtilage or if the items clearly could not be found there, then they would not be within the warrant’s authorized scope.