Kidnapping

Kidnapping is a criminal act which involves unlawfully taking a person against their will, usually to hold them in false imprisonment, a confinement without legal authority. This may be done for ransom or in furtherance of another crime, or in connection with a child custody dispute.

Definition

In criminal law, kidnapping is the unlawful transportation, asportation and confinement of a person against their will. It can include anything from minor cases to being taken over long distances or for an extended period of time. The term also covers many different forms of abduction, and is distinct from false imprisonment which is the confinement without legal authority.

Types of Kidnapping

There are several types of kidnapping, including bride kidnapping, child abduction, and express kidnapping. Each type has its own unique characteristics and legal implications.

Bride Kidnapping

Bride kidnapping, also known as marriage by abduction or marriage by capture, is a practice in which a man abducts the woman he wishes to marry.

Child Abduction

Child abduction is the unauthorized removal of a minor from their legal guardian. It can be divided into two categories: parental child abduction and abduction by strangers.

Express Kidnapping

An Express kidnapping is a method of abduction where a small immediate ransom is demanded, often by the victim being forced to withdraw money from their ATM account.

Legal Aspects

Kidnapping is a serious crime and is punishable by law in most countries. The legal definition and the precise type of punishment varies from one jurisdiction to another. In the United States, for example, kidnapping is classified as a federal crime under the U.S. Code.

See Also

• Hostage
• Human trafficking
• Ransom
• Stockholm syndrome