Records can be seized through which of the following means?

The correct answer is that records can be seized through a court order, subpoena, or search warrant because these legal instruments provide the necessary authority to obtain records in a manner that protects individual rights and adheres to the law. A court order is issued by a judge and lays out the specific terms under which records can be accessed. A subpoena is a document that compels a witness to appear in court or produce documents, and it typically requires compliance within a certain timeframe. A search warrant is a legal document that authorizes law enforcement to search a specific location for evidence of a crime, ensuring that the search is conducted legally and respectfully of privacy rights.

In contrast, a verbal agreement may not have a legally binding effect, so relying on an informal conversation lacks the formalities required for lawful seizure. Informal consent, while it can allow for the release of records, may not cover all circumstances or types of records and does not always guarantee that consent was informed or voluntary. A public request might align more closely with the provisions of public records laws, but it does not equate to the legal authority granted through a court order, subpoena, or search warrant, which provide the necessary legal backing for seizure.