What does a false arrest refer to?

A false arrest refers to the detention accomplished through an unlawful arrest, which means that law enforcement has taken someone into custody without sufficient legal justification. In other words, it occurs when an individual is arrested without probable cause, a valid warrant, or lawful authority. This concept is crucial in understanding the legal frameworks that govern arrests and the rights of individuals against unlawful detention. False arrests can lead to civil liability for the arresting officer or the agency involved, as it infringes on personal liberties and rights guaranteed under the law.

The other choices involve circumstances that either describe lawful actions or specify valid arrest conditions that do not pertain to false arrest. For instance, a legal apprehension of an individual suspected of a crime would generally indicate adherence to legal standards necessary for a valid arrest, and an arrest made with a valid warrant would be legitimate under the law. Detention based on mistaken identity is a complex issue but can still involve lawful grounds depending on the surrounding circumstances.