What must an affidavit demonstrate regarding confidential informants?

An affidavit must demonstrate the basis of the informant's knowledge and their credibility because these elements establish the reliability of the information provided by the informant. The credibility of an informant is crucial in legal proceedings, as it affects the overall trustworthiness of the evidence presented to the court. This aspect is particularly important in the context of obtaining a search warrant or making an arrest, where law enforcement must show that their actions are supported by credible information.

The basis of the informant's knowledge refers to how the informant came by the information they possess. This could include their personal observations, involvement, or other means of obtaining the information relevant to the case. When both the basis of knowledge and the credibility of the informant are clearly outlined in an affidavit, it strengthens the argument for why the information should be deemed reliable, thus justifying the actions taken by law enforcement based on that information.