I. Introduction

A warrant of arrest is one of the most serious legal processes in Philippine criminal procedure. It authorizes law enforcement officers to take a person into custody so that the person may be brought before the court that issued the warrant. Because arrest directly affects liberty, the Philippine Constitution and the Rules of Criminal Procedure require safeguards before a warrant may validly issue.

Verifying whether a warrant of arrest exists is important for several reasons. A person may have heard from police officers, barangay officials, relatives, employers, complainants, or online sources that a warrant has been issued. Sometimes the information is accurate; sometimes it is incomplete, outdated, or false. Verification helps a person avoid panic, prevent scams, protect constitutional rights, prepare legal remedies, and coordinate properly with counsel.

This article discusses how warrants of arrest work in the Philippines, how to verify one, where to check, what information is needed, what to do if a warrant exists, and how to avoid common mistakes.

This is a general legal article and should not be treated as a substitute for advice from a Philippine lawyer who can examine the facts, court records, and documents in a specific case.

II. Constitutional Basis

The 1987 Philippine Constitution protects the people against unreasonable searches and seizures. Under Article III, Section 2, no warrant of arrest shall issue except upon probable cause personally determined by the judge after examination under oath or affirmation of the complainant and the witnesses the judge may produce, and particularly describing the person to be arrested.

This constitutional rule means that a warrant of arrest cannot be validly issued merely because a complainant, police officer, or prosecutor wants one. A judge must personally determine probable cause. The warrant must also identify the person to be arrested with sufficient particularity.

III. What Is a Warrant of Arrest?

A warrant of arrest is a written order issued by a judge directing law enforcement officers to arrest a person accused of a criminal offense and bring that person before the court.

It is usually issued after a criminal case has been filed in court and the judge has found probable cause. In ordinary criminal cases, the process generally begins with a complaint, preliminary investigation or inquest when required, filing of an Information in court by the prosecutor, judicial determination of probable cause, and issuance of a warrant if warranted.

A warrant of arrest should not be confused with other legal documents. A subpoena requires a person to appear or submit documents. A summons is commonly used in civil cases. A search warrant authorizes a search of a place and seizure of items. A hold departure order or immigration lookout bulletin affects travel but is different from a warrant of arrest. A bench warrant may be issued because a person failed to appear in court.

IV. When May a Warrant of Arrest Be Issued?

A warrant of arrest may be issued when a criminal case is filed in court and the judge, after personally evaluating the prosecutor’s resolution and supporting evidence, finds probable cause to believe that a crime was committed and that the accused is probably guilty.

The judge may also issue a warrant when an accused who has already been notified fails to appear in court without sufficient justification, violates bail conditions, escapes custody, or otherwise disregards a lawful court order.

In some instances, the court may issue a commitment order, alias warrant, or other related process depending on the procedural posture of the case.

V. Who Issues a Warrant of Arrest?

Only a judge may issue a warrant of arrest.

Police officers, prosecutors, barangay officials, private complainants, and law enforcement agencies do not issue warrants of arrest. They may apply for legal processes, file complaints, investigate crimes, or implement warrants, but the authority to issue a warrant belongs to the court.

A claim that “the police issued a warrant” is legally inaccurate. The correct question is whether a court issued a warrant.

VI. Types of Arrest Situations

1. Arrest by Virtue of a Warrant

This is the usual situation where police officers arrest a person because a court has issued a warrant of arrest.

2. Warrantless Arrest

A person may be arrested without a warrant only under limited circumstances recognized by law, such as when the person is caught in the act of committing an offense, when an offense has just been committed and the arresting officer has personal knowledge of facts indicating that the person committed it, or when the person is an escaped prisoner.

A warrantless arrest is not the same as verification of an existing warrant. If there is no warrant, the legality of the arrest depends on whether it falls under the recognized exceptions.

3. Arrest After Failure to Appear

A person who was previously allowed to post bail may later be arrested if the court issues an order or warrant due to failure to attend hearings or violation of conditions.

4. Alias Warrant

An alias warrant may be issued when the original warrant was not served, was returned unserved, or when a further warrant is necessary. It is still a court-issued process and should be verified with the issuing court.

VII. Why Verification Matters

Verification matters because rumors about warrants are common. A person may be told that a warrant exists even when there is only a complaint at the police station, a pending preliminary investigation, a prosecutor’s subpoena, or an unresolved barangay matter.

Verification can help determine:

Whether a criminal case has actually been filed in court.
Whether a judge has issued a warrant.
Which court issued the warrant.
The criminal case number.
The offense charged.
Whether bail is recommended.
The bail amount, if any.
Whether the warrant is still active.
Whether the warrant has been recalled, quashed, lifted, or served.
What legal remedies are available.

VIII. Information Needed to Verify a Warrant

The following details are useful when verifying a warrant of arrest:

Complete name of the person concerned.
Aliases, nicknames, or variations of the name.
Date of birth.
Address or last known residence.
Name of complainant, if known.
Alleged offense, if known.
City or province where the alleged incident occurred.
Police station or prosecutor’s office involved, if any.
Court branch, if known.
Case number, if known.
Date of alleged filing or hearing, if known.
Any copy, photo, or screenshot of the supposed warrant.

The more specific the information, the easier verification becomes. Many people share similar names, so checking by name alone may lead to confusion.

IX. Primary Ways to Verify a Warrant of Arrest

A. Verify Directly with the Court

The most reliable way to verify a warrant is through the court that supposedly issued it.

If the court branch is known, the person or counsel may contact or visit the Office of the Clerk of Court or the specific branch clerk of court. The court may confirm whether a criminal case exists, whether a warrant was issued, and whether the warrant remains active, subject to court policies on access to records.

If the court branch is not known, one may start with the Office of the Clerk of Court of the city or province where the alleged offense occurred. For example, if the alleged offense happened in Quezon City, verification may begin with the appropriate court offices in Quezon City. If the offense is within the jurisdiction of the Regional Trial Court, Metropolitan Trial Court, Municipal Trial Court in Cities, Municipal Trial Court, or Municipal Circuit Trial Court, the relevant court office may help identify the branch.

For higher-profile or specialized cases, the case may be in a Regional Trial Court branch designated for certain offenses, such as drugs, cybercrime, family courts, environmental cases, or commercial matters, depending on the nature of the charge.

Court verification is best done through counsel because lawyers are familiar with court record procedures and can protect the person from unnecessary exposure.

B. Check with the Prosecutor’s Office

If the matter is still at the preliminary investigation stage, there may be no warrant yet because the case may not have been filed in court. The prosecutor’s office may have records of the complaint, subpoena, resolution, or Information.

Checking with the prosecutor’s office may clarify whether:

A complaint was filed.
A preliminary investigation is pending.
A resolution has been issued.
An Information has been filed in court.
The case has already been raffled to a court branch.

However, the prosecutor’s office cannot finally confirm an active warrant unless the court has issued one. It can only help trace whether the case has moved to court.

C. Check with the Police Station or Law Enforcement Unit

If police officers claim to have a warrant, the person may ask for details such as the issuing court, case number, offense charged, date of issuance, name of judge, and copy of the warrant.

Law enforcement officers tasked to implement a warrant should be able to identify the warrant they are serving. A person should not physically resist, but may calmly ask to see the warrant and note the details.

Police stations may also have information if the warrant was transmitted to them for service. However, police records should be treated as secondary to court records. The issuing court remains the primary source.

D. Engage a Lawyer to Conduct Verification

A lawyer can check court records, coordinate with the clerk of court, review the supposed warrant, determine whether bail is available, and advise whether to file a motion to quash, motion to recall warrant, motion for judicial determination of probable cause, motion to reduce bail, or other appropriate remedy.

This is often the safest route, especially if the person may be arrested upon appearance or if the offense is serious, non-bailable, or politically or commercially sensitive.

E. Use Official Court and Government Channels Where Available

Some courts and government agencies may provide public access mechanisms, online portals, hotlines, or email channels for certain case information. Availability varies and may depend on the court, locality, type of case, and confidentiality rules.

Because online records may be incomplete or delayed, online checking should not replace direct verification with the issuing court.

X. How to Verify If You Only Have a Screenshot or Photo of a Warrant

A screenshot or photo should be examined carefully. Look for:

Name of issuing court.
Branch number.
City or province.
Criminal case number.
Name of accused.
Offense charged.
Date of issuance.
Name and signature of judge.
Court seal or official markings.
Bail recommendation, if stated.
Officer or agency directed to serve the warrant.

After noting these details, verify directly with the named court. Do not rely on the screenshot alone. Fake or altered warrants may circulate, especially in disputes involving debt, employment, family conflict, online harassment, or extortion.

If the screenshot lacks a court name, case number, judge, or branch, it should be treated with caution.

XI. Signs That a Supposed Warrant May Be Fake or Suspicious

A supposed warrant may be suspicious if:

It was sent only through text, chat, or social media with a demand for money.
The sender says payment will “cancel” or “delete” the warrant.
It does not identify a court, branch, case number, or judge.
It was allegedly issued by a police officer, barangay captain, collection agency, or private complainant.
It contains obvious formatting errors or inconsistent details.
It threatens immediate arrest unless money is sent to a private account or e-wallet.
It is based on a purely civil debt, without any criminal case filed in court.
The supposed officer refuses to provide the issuing court or case number.
It uses vague phrases such as “national warrant,” “cyber warrant,” or “barangay warrant” without court details.
It pressures the person not to contact a lawyer or the court.

Even if a document looks suspicious, it is still wise to verify with the court or a lawyer rather than simply ignoring it.

XII. Can There Be a Warrant for Debt?

As a general rule, no person may be imprisoned for debt alone. The Philippine Constitution prohibits imprisonment for debt.

However, some situations involving money may give rise to criminal cases, such as estafa, violation of the Bouncing Checks Law, qualified theft, falsification, or other offenses, depending on the facts. In those cases, the warrant is not for “debt” as such, but for an alleged criminal offense.

A person who receives threats of arrest over unpaid loans, credit card bills, online lending apps, or private obligations should verify whether an actual criminal case exists in court. Collection threats are not the same as a court-issued warrant.

XIII. Can a Barangay Issue a Warrant of Arrest?

No. A barangay cannot issue a warrant of arrest.

Barangay officials may issue notices for barangay conciliation proceedings in disputes covered by the Katarungang Pambarangay Law. They may also assist in maintaining peace and order. But a barangay notice, summons, blotter entry, or certificate to file action is not a warrant of arrest.

Only a judge may issue a warrant of arrest.

XIV. Can the Police Arrest You Without Showing the Warrant?

In an arrest by virtue of a warrant, the officer should inform the person of the cause of arrest and the fact that a warrant has been issued. The officer does not always need to have the physical warrant in hand at the exact moment if the officer can show authority and the warrant exists, but the person arrested has the right to be informed and to verify the basis of the arrest.

Prudence requires asking calmly for the issuing court, case number, offense, date of issuance, and identity of the arresting officers. Do not resist physically. Resistance may create additional legal problems.

XV. What to Do If Police Come to Serve a Warrant

If officers arrive claiming to have a warrant:

Stay calm.
Ask for identification of the officers.
Ask to see the warrant or ask for the issuing court, case number, offense, and judge.
Read the name on the warrant carefully.
Check whether the person named is actually you.
Do not sign documents you do not understand.
Do not make admissions or explanations without counsel.
Ask to contact a lawyer and family member.
Do not physically resist arrest.
Take note of the time, place, names of officers, and agency involved.
If possible, have a companion observe and document the event lawfully.

If the warrant is valid and you are the person named, the safer legal course is to coordinate surrender, posting of bail if available, and appearance before the issuing court through counsel.

XVI. What to Do If Verification Shows That a Warrant Exists

If a warrant exists, immediate legal planning is necessary. The proper response depends on the offense, court, bail status, and facts.

Common steps include:

1. Obtain Court Details

Get the case number, court branch, offense charged, date of issuance, and bail amount if available.

2. Consult a Lawyer Immediately

A lawyer can determine whether the warrant is regular on its face, whether bail is available, whether there are grounds to seek recall or quashal, and how to arrange voluntary surrender.

3. Prepare for Bail

If bail is a matter of right, the accused may be able to post bail after arrest or voluntary surrender. Bail may be in the form of cash bond, surety bond, property bond, or recognizance in proper cases.

4. Consider Voluntary Surrender

Voluntary surrender may reduce uncertainty and may be considered favorably in certain contexts. It also allows the person to coordinate with counsel, family, bondsmen, and the court.

5. Avoid Flight

Evading a warrant can worsen the situation. It may lead to arrest at home, work, checkpoints, airports, or during routine police encounters. It may also affect bail, credibility, and court discretion.

6. Attend All Hearings

Once the case is active, failure to appear can lead to cancellation of bail, forfeiture of bond, issuance of another warrant, and other consequences.

XVII. Bail and Warrant Verification

A key issue in warrant verification is whether bail is recommended.

A warrant may indicate a bail amount, especially for bailable offenses. But the final bail process depends on the court, the nature of the offense, and applicable rules.

For offenses punishable by death, reclusion perpetua, or life imprisonment, bail may not be a matter of right when evidence of guilt is strong. In such cases, the accused may need to apply for bail and undergo a hearing.

For lesser offenses, bail is generally a matter of right before conviction by the Regional Trial Court, subject to procedural rules.

A person verifying a warrant should ask:

Is bail recommended?
How much is the bail?
What forms of bail are accepted?
Can bail be posted before physical detention?
Which office receives bail?
Is there a night court or executive judge available for after-hours bail?
Are there pending hold departure or other related orders?

Because bail practice can vary in implementation, counsel should coordinate directly with the court.

XVIII. Motion to Quash or Recall a Warrant

A warrant may be challenged in proper cases. Possible grounds may include lack of probable cause, mistaken identity, invalid issuance, defective Information, violation of rights, or prior quashal or dismissal.

A motion to quash or recall a warrant is filed in the issuing court. It should be supported by legal and factual grounds. Filing such a motion does not automatically prevent arrest unless the court issues an order recalling or suspending implementation of the warrant.

A person should not assume that a pending motion protects them from arrest. Only a court order can recall, lift, or set aside the warrant.

XIX. Mistaken Identity

Mistaken identity is a serious concern in warrant implementation. A warrant may name a person with a common name, incomplete middle name, wrong address, or alias.

If the person being arrested is not the person named in the warrant, the person or family should immediately provide identifying documents and contact counsel. Useful documents may include government IDs, birth certificate, employment records, school records, travel records, photographs, and proof of residence.

A lawyer may file an urgent motion or manifestation before the issuing court to clarify identity and prevent wrongful detention.

XX. Confidentiality and Access to Records

Court records are generally public, but access may be limited by law, court rules, confidentiality, child protection rules, sexual offense cases, family court matters, sealed records, or data privacy considerations.

Some court personnel may not disclose details by phone. Personal appearance, written request, authorization, or representation by counsel may be required.

When verifying, be respectful and specific. Provide the complete name, suspected case location, and any known case number. Court staff cannot give legal advice, but they may confirm procedural information within their authority.

XXI. Verification Through the National Bureau of Investigation or Police Clearances

An NBI Clearance or police clearance may reveal records, hits, or pending matters, but these are not always reliable substitutes for court verification. A person may have a “hit” for reasons unrelated to an active warrant, and an active warrant may not always appear immediately in a clearance system.

A clearance result should be treated as an indicator requiring further verification, not as final proof that a warrant does or does not exist.

XXII. Airport, Immigration, and Travel Concerns

A warrant of arrest is different from a hold departure order, precautionary hold departure order, immigration lookout bulletin, or watchlist-type measure. However, criminal cases may lead to travel restrictions depending on the court and circumstances.

If a person suspects a warrant or pending criminal case, travel should be planned carefully. Attempting to leave the country while a warrant exists may lead to interception, arrest, or additional legal complications.

Counsel should check both the court record and any travel-related orders.

XXIII. Warrants in Cybercrime, Online Lending, and Social Media Disputes

Many people receive online threats claiming that a warrant has been issued for cyber libel, estafa, online lending app debt, hacking, harassment, or other internet-related complaints.

The same rule applies: verify with the court. A real warrant should have an issuing court, branch, case number, accused, offense, judge, and date. A mere threat from a collector, stranger, complainant, or online account is not a warrant.

Cybercrime cases may involve specialized procedures and agencies, but an arrest warrant still comes from a judge.

XXIV. Warrants and Barangay Blotters

A barangay blotter is not a criminal conviction, not a court case, and not a warrant. It is usually a record of an incident reported to barangay authorities.

A blotter may later become part of evidence or lead to barangay conciliation, police investigation, or prosecutor action, but it does not by itself authorize arrest.

XXV. Warrants and Preliminary Investigation

A preliminary investigation is a proceeding to determine whether there is sufficient ground to believe that a crime has been committed and that the respondent is probably guilty and should be held for trial.

At this stage, the person is usually called a respondent, not yet an accused in court. A subpoena from the prosecutor is not a warrant. Ignoring a preliminary investigation, however, may lead to adverse consequences, including filing of an Information in court.

A warrant usually becomes an issue after the case reaches court and the judge determines probable cause.

XXVI. Warrants in Inquest Cases

When a person is arrested without a warrant and brought for inquest, the prosecutor determines whether the warrantless arrest was proper and whether charges should be filed in court.

If the prosecutor files the Information and the court finds probable cause, further court processes may follow. The person may remain in custody unless released through lawful means such as bail, dismissal, or release order.

XXVII. How to Verify If You Are Abroad

A Filipino or foreign national outside the Philippines who suspects a Philippine warrant may verify through:

A Philippine lawyer.
Authorized family representative.
Direct communication with the suspected issuing court.
Prosecutor’s office handling the case.
Court records using case number, if available.

If a warrant exists, the person should not rely on informal assurances. Counsel should evaluate whether voluntary appearance, bail, motion to recall, or other remedies are available. International travel and immigration implications should be handled carefully.

XXVIII. Practical Verification Checklist

A person verifying a warrant should try to answer the following:

Is there an actual criminal case in court?
What is the case number?
Which court and branch handles the case?
Who is the judge?
What offense is charged?
When was the warrant issued?
Is the warrant still active?
Was it already served?
Was it recalled, lifted, or quashed?
Is bail recommended?
What is the bail amount?
Are there other accused?
Are there pending hearings?
Was there a prior notice, subpoena, or arraignment?
Is there a possibility of mistaken identity?
What urgent legal remedy is available?

XXIX. Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Ignoring the Information

Do not ignore credible information about a warrant. Verify promptly.

2. Paying Money to Private Persons

Do not pay anyone who claims a warrant can be erased, cancelled, or hidden in exchange for money. A warrant can only be recalled, quashed, satisfied, or otherwise addressed through lawful court processes.

3. Posting on Social Media

Avoid public posts about the warrant or the case. Statements online may be used against the person or may complicate negotiations and legal strategy.

4. Going to the Police Without Counsel

A person who may be subject to arrest should consult a lawyer before appearing at a police station or court.

5. Assuming No Warrant Exists Because No Notice Was Received

Notices may be sent to old addresses, received by other persons, returned unserved, or missed. The absence of personal notice does not always mean no case exists.

6. Assuming a Warrant Is Fake Because It Was Sent Online

A screenshot may be fake, but it may also be a photo of a real warrant. Verify with the court.

7. Using Only NBI Clearance as Proof

A clean clearance does not always guarantee the absence of an active warrant. Court verification is still the best method.

XXX. Rights of a Person Arrested

A person arrested in the Philippines has constitutional and statutory rights, including the right to be informed of the nature and cause of the arrest, the right to remain silent, the right to counsel, the right against coercion, the right to be brought before the proper authority, and the right to bail when allowed by law.

During arrest, the person should avoid making statements without counsel. Even casual explanations may later be interpreted as admissions.

XXXI. Role of Counsel

A lawyer can assist in:

Verifying court records.
Obtaining certified true copies.
Checking bail.
Coordinating voluntary surrender.
Filing motions.
Preventing mistaken identity.
Advising on custodial rights.
Communicating with court staff and prosecutors.
Preparing counter-affidavits or pleadings.
Representing the accused at arraignment and hearings.

Because arrest involves liberty, a lawyer’s involvement is highly advisable.

XXXII. Documents to Request or Secure

Depending on the situation, useful documents may include:

Copy of the warrant of arrest.
Copy of the Information.
Prosecutor’s resolution.
Complaint-affidavit and supporting affidavits.
Court order finding probable cause.
Bail bond recommendation.
Return of warrant, if served or unserved.
Order recalling or quashing the warrant, if any.
Calendar or notice of hearing.
Certificate of detention, if arrested.
Official receipts and bond documents, if bail is posted.

Certified copies are preferable when filing motions or proving the status of the case.

XXXIII. What It Means If the Warrant Was “Returned”

When a warrant is returned, it usually means the officer tasked to implement it submitted a return to the court stating whether the warrant was served or unserved.

A return of warrant does not necessarily mean the warrant is gone. If unserved, the court may issue an alias warrant or continue to consider the accused at large. Always verify whether the court has recalled, lifted, or cancelled the warrant.

XXXIV. When Is a Warrant No Longer Active?

A warrant may cease to be active when:

It has been served and the accused has been brought before the court.
The accused has posted bail and the court has accepted it.
The court recalls or lifts the warrant.
The case is dismissed and the warrant is set aside.
The court quashes the warrant.
The accused is otherwise lawfully released by court order.

The key point is that the court must have acted. Informal statements by police officers or private persons are not enough.

XXXV. Sample Script for Court Verification

A respectful inquiry may sound like this:

“Good morning. I would like to verify whether there is a criminal case or warrant of arrest involving [complete name], born on [date of birth], residing at [address]. I was informed that there may be a warrant from your court. May I ask if there is a case number or branch record under that name, and what the proper procedure is for verification or obtaining a copy?”

If represented by counsel, the lawyer can make the inquiry more formally.

XXXVI. Sample Script When Officers Claim to Have a Warrant

A calm response may be:

“Officer, I will not resist. May I please see the warrant or be informed of the issuing court, branch, case number, offense charged, and the name of the judge? I would also like to contact my lawyer and my family.”

The person should avoid arguing about the merits of the case at the scene.

XXXVII. Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I verify a warrant by phone?

Sometimes, but not always. Some courts may provide limited information by phone, while others may require personal appearance, written request, authorization, or counsel.

2. Can I be arrested at night or on weekends?

A valid warrant may generally be served on any day and at any time, subject to rules and circumstances. Practical access to bail may be more difficult after office hours, so preparation is important.

3. Can I be arrested at work?

Yes, if officers lawfully serve a valid warrant. However, the arrest should still be carried out in accordance with law and with respect for rights.

4. Can police enter my house to serve a warrant?

Serving an arrest warrant may involve entry under certain circumstances, but officers must still act lawfully. The legality of entry may depend on facts such as announcement, refusal, hot pursuit, consent, and other circumstances. Counsel should be consulted if there is a dispute.

5. Can I be arrested for a civil case?

A civil case normally does not result in a warrant of arrest. However, disobedience of court orders, contempt, or related criminal proceedings may have separate consequences. Debt alone is not a ground for imprisonment.

6. Can a complainant withdraw the warrant?

No. A complainant cannot personally withdraw a warrant. Only the court can recall or lift it. Even if the complainant executes an affidavit of desistance, the court and prosecutor may still evaluate the legal effect.

7. Can settlement remove the warrant?

Settlement may help in some cases, especially where compromise is legally relevant, but it does not automatically cancel a warrant. A court order is required.

8. What if I never received a subpoena?

Failure to receive a subpoena may be relevant, but it does not automatically invalidate a warrant. The facts must be examined, including address, service, prosecutor proceedings, and court records.

9. What if the warrant has the wrong address?

A wrong address may matter, especially for notice and identity issues, but it does not automatically mean the warrant is invalid if the person is otherwise sufficiently identified.

10. Can I send someone else to verify for me?

Yes, but court offices may require authorization, identification, or counsel. A lawyer is usually the best representative.

XXXVIII. Best Practices

The best practice is to verify through the issuing court, preferably through a lawyer. If the court is unknown, start with the court offices in the city or province where the alleged offense occurred, and also check with the prosecutor’s office if the case may have recently been filed.

Do not rely on social media posts, screenshots, threats, or hearsay. Do not pay private persons who claim they can remove a warrant. Do not resist arrest. Do not make statements without counsel. If a warrant exists, prepare bail and legal remedies immediately.

XXXIX. Conclusion

Verifying a warrant of arrest in the Philippines requires identifying whether a court has actually issued one. The most reliable source is the issuing court, followed by the prosecutor’s office and law enforcement records as supporting sources. A valid warrant should be traceable to a specific court, branch, case number, offense, judge, and accused.

Because a warrant affects personal liberty, verification should be done promptly, carefully, and preferably with the assistance of counsel. The goal is not merely to know whether a warrant exists, but to respond lawfully: protect rights, avoid unnecessary arrest complications, prepare bail if available, correct mistaken identity, and seek appropriate court remedies when justified.