What is an arrest?

What is an arrest?

• A. Arrest = seizure.
• B. A mere stop for questioning without detaining.
• C. A delay in processing a suspect.
• D. A consent-based voluntary departure.

Answer: (A)

An arrest is a seizure of a person by authorities that ends the person’s freedom of movement. In practice, it means the officer takes you into custody in a way that you’re not free to leave and may be transported to a jail or holding facility. This is different from a brief stop or questioning, which is just a temporary detention and does not amount to custody. A delay in processing is simply administrative and not an arrest, and a voluntary departure based on your consent is not an arrest either because there’s no coercive custody involved. The concept captures the moment a person is effectively under the control of law enforcement and cannot walk away.