What is a seizure?

What is a seizure?

• A. A person's freedom of movement is restrained by physical force or by a show of authority.
• B. A physical injury to a person.
• C. A temporary detention for questioning with consent.
• D. A search of a property with consent.

Answer: (A)

Seizure means the police exercise control over a person in a way that restrains their freedom of movement, either through physical force or by displaying authority that makes the person feel they are not free to leave. This moment—when you’re effectively not free to go because of the officer’s actions or commands—triggers legal rules about how the encounter is handled. It doesn’t require anyone to be injured, and it’s distinct from a voluntary stop or a search conducted with consent. For instance, being physically stopped or grabbed, or being told you must stay and answer questions, are seizures because they limit your ability to move freely. By contrast, a simple request for information, a search that you consent to, or a situation where you could walk away without feeling compelled is not a seizure.