Which statement about consent for searches is NOT true?

• A. Consent must be voluntary.
• B. The consenting person must have authority to give consent.
• C. Consent must be informed about the scope.
• D. Consent must be in writing.

Answer: (D)

Consent to search is valid only when it is voluntary, given by someone who has authority to grant access, and clearly informed about what is being searched. The statement that consent must be in writing is not true. Verbal consent is sufficient as long as it’s freely given, the person truly has the authority to give consent, and they understand the scope of what's being searched. Documentation in writing can help, but it isn’t a required form of consent.

So the key idea is that validity hinges on voluntariness, actual or apparent authority, and clarity about scope, not on a written format. If any of those elements are missing—coerced consent, someone lacking authority, or a misunderstood or vague scope—the consent could be invalid and the search may be challenged.