Which civil claims could arise from a citizen arrest that causes harm or rights violations?

• A. False arrest, false imprisonment, and excessive use of force
• B. Only criminal charges
• C. No liability
• D. The only liability is defamation of character

Answer: (A)

When a private citizen’s arrest harms someone or violates their rights, civil liability can arise under tort law to compensate the injured person. The main civil claims here are false arrest and false imprisonment—the unlawful restraint or detention of a person without lawful justification. If the restraint is used with more force than is reasonably necessary to secure the arrest, a civil claim for excessive use of force can also be brought. These claims address the harm to the person’s liberty and safety during the arrest, separate from any criminal charges that might also be pursued.

Defamation and the absence of liability don’t fit the typical risks in this scenario. Civil liability isn’t limited to criminal charges, and defamation isn’t the standard remedy for wrongful detention or excessive force.