How is false imprisonment defined in the context of intentional torts?

False imprisonment in the context of intentional torts is defined as detaining someone without legal justification. This tort involves the unlawful restraint of an individual against their will, which means that a person is confined within a bounded area without any legal right to do so. This could be physical restraint, verbal threats, or other means that restrict the individual’s freedom of movement.

The key aspect of false imprisonment is the lack of legal authority for the detention; if a person is held without proper justification, such as a valid arrest warrant or consent, it constitutes false imprisonment. The concept emphasizes the importance of personal liberty and the protection against unlawful restraint.

In understanding the other options, causing someone to fear for their safety relates more to the tort of assault rather than false imprisonment. Illegally detaining someone during their arrest is more specific and could fall under false imprisonment, but it does not capture the broader definition applicable to all situations of detention. Damaging someone’s property with intent pertains to the tort of intentional property damage, which does not connect to the concept of personal restraint at all. Thus, the correct answer encapsulates the essence of false imprisonment effectively.