Which term describes detainment by a civilian of a person believed to have committed a crime?

• A. citizen's arrest
• B. trial court
• C. Forfeiture
• D. Summons

Answer: (A)

Detaining someone by a private person who believes they committed a crime is called a citizen's arrest. The idea is that a civilian can briefly restrain a suspect and then turn them over to law enforcement, rather than initiating a formal court process themselves. This isn’t about a trial setting, asset seizure, or a notice to appear in court. A trial court is where cases are adjudicated; forfeiture involves taking assets tied to wrongdoing; a summons is simply a notice to appear in court. So the term that describes detention by a civilian is citizen's arrest, reflecting the private, temporary restraint done until police take over.