How does detect evil work?

[Supperman]

I haven't seen a definitive answer on this but I've seen multiple interpretations of it.

For example: The Paladin can only select one target as a move action, can use either the standard spell's standard action cone detect evil or the special version, or that they have to activate the cone before they can take the move action. How does it actually work?

[Lifat]

Do you mean how the paladin Su detect evil ability works? Or are you talking about the spell specifically?
I have included the links just so that others don't have to find them:
PRD Detect Evil spell and PRD Paladin

[Claxon]

The paladin can spend a move action to detect the alignment of one creature he is aware and capable of targeting. Or he can use detect evil as per the spell, which requires a standard action and multiple rounds of concentration to get information about if a specific creature is evil.

[RumpinRufus]

Two options:

1) Move action, single target.

2) Standard action, as the spell (cone shaped.)

[Supperman]

Lifat wrote:

Do you mean how the paladin Su detect evil ability works? Or are you talking about the spell specifically?

I have included the links just so that others don't have to find them:
PRD Detect Evil spell and PRD Paladin

How paladins use it.