Hobbs Seal Law and Legal Definition
In order to get a search warrant, a police officer must submit a sworn statement to a judge explaining why there is probable cause to conduct the search. The policeman can ask the judge to seal all or part of the search warrant affidavit that relate to facts or information which, if disclosed in the public portion of the affidavit, will reveal or tend to reveal a confidential informant's identity. These materials are sealed by the judge at the time the search warrant is signed and issued. This is referred to as Hobbs seal.
