False Arrest

/ˈfɔːls əˈrɛst/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The unlawful restraint or detention of a person by one without legal authority or justification.
    The plaintiff sued the officer for false arrest after being detained without cause.

Forms

  • false arrest
  • false arrests

Commentary

False arrest is often construed as a subset of false imprisonment, focusing specifically on the unlawful arrest or detention component.

This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.

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