What does the term "bench warrant" refer to in the CCP?

The term "bench warrant" refers specifically to an order for a defendant's arrest due to failure to appear in court. This legal tool is issued by a judge when an individual, who is required to attend a court proceeding, does not show up. The issuance of a bench warrant allows law enforcement to take the necessary steps to locate and arrest the individual, thereby ensuring that they fulfill their court obligations.

This enforcement mechanism is critical in maintaining the integrity of the judicial process, as it discourages defendants from disregarding legal summonses. In contrast, the other options relate to different legal concepts. A request to dismiss a case pertains to a motion seeking to terminate proceedings, a ruling on the admissibility of evidence involves judicial decisions on whether specific evidence can be presented during a trial, and a notice of trial date informs parties of when their case will be heard but does not inherently carry the enforcement consequence like a bench warrant does.