Which term means depriving a person of their liberty by legal authority?

• A. Arrest
• B. Offense
• C. Contraband
• D. Evidence

Answer: (A)

Arrest is the act of taking someone into custody under lawful authority, which deprives them of their liberty for the purpose of investigation or charging them with a crime. This fits the scenario precisely because it involves a formal action by law enforcement that restricts a person’s freedom. An offense is a crime itself, not the act of detaining someone. Contraband refers to illegal goods, not to a detention act. Evidence are items or information used to prove facts in court, not a deprivation of liberty.