Who must issue a search warrant for the contents of electronic storage?

A search warrant for the contents of electronic storage must generally be issued by a judge who has the appropriate jurisdiction over the matter. In the context of the legal system, a common pleas judge typically has the authority to issue such warrants at the state level, including for electronic storage. This judge is part of the trial court system and addresses various legal issues, including those related to criminal cases and evidence.

While other judges, such as magistrate judges, district judges, and federal judges, also have the power to issue search warrants, the common pleas judge is specifically relevant for state-level searches and procedures regarding electronic storage under state law. This distinction is crucial since different courts have varying jurisdictions and responsibilities depending on the nature of the case. Thus, while a federal judge could issue a warrant related to federal statutes, in the context of state law, the common pleas judge acts as the necessary authority.