Kidnapping is a serious criminal offense that involves the unlawful abduction, transportation, or confinement of another person against their will, often for ransom, extortion, or other illegal purposes. It typically involves the use of force, coercion, deception, or threat to seize and detain an individual without their consent. Kidnapping can occur in various contexts, including domestic disputes, organized crime, human trafficking, or parental abduction. The severity of the crime and the potential penalties vary depending on factors such as the age of the victim, whether weapons were involved, and the duration and circumstances of the abduction. Kidnapping laws aim to protect individuals from being forcibly removed or unlawfully detained, and perpetrators of kidnapping may face significant criminal penalties, including imprisonment, fines, and other legal consequences.
The action of abducting someone and holding them captive.
(law) the unlawful act of capturing and carrying away a person against their will and holding them in false imprisonment. (also spelt kidnaping) n. the taking of a person against his/her will (or from the control of a parent or guardian) from one place to another under circumstances in which the person so taken does not have freedom of movement, will, or decision through violence, force, threat or intimidation. Although it is not necessary that the purpose be criminal (since all kidnapping is a criminal felony) the capture usually involves some related criminal act such as holding the person for ransom, sexual and/or sadistic abuse, or rape. It includes taking due to irresistible impulse and a parent taking and hiding a child in violation of court order. An included crime is false imprisonment. Any harm to the victim coupled with kidnapping can raise the degree of felony for the injury and can result in a capital (death penalty) offense in some states, even though the victim survives. Originally it meant the stealing of children since “kid” is a child in Scandinavian languages, but now applies to adults as well.
This site contains general legal information but does not constitute professional legal advice for your particular situation. Persuing this glossary does not create an attorney-client or legal adviser relationship. If you have specific questions, please consult a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.
This glossary post was last updated: 29th March, 2024.
To help you cite our definitions in your bibliography, here is the proper citation layout for the three major formatting styles, with all of the relevant information filled in.
- Page URL:https://dlssolicitors.com/define/kidnapping/
- Modern Language Association (MLA):Kidnapping. dlssolicitors.com. DLS Solicitors. April 16, 2024 https://dlssolicitors.com/define/kidnapping/.
- Chicago Manual of Style (CMS):Kidnapping. dlssolicitors.com. DLS Solicitors. https://dlssolicitors.com/define/kidnapping/ (accessed: April 16, 2024).
- American Psychological Association (APA):Kidnapping. dlssolicitors.com. Retrieved April 16, 2024, from dlssolicitors.com website: https://dlssolicitors.com/define/kidnapping/