What is the legal definition of "arrest"?

The legal definition of "arrest" is centered on the act of detaining a person by legal authority, typically based on probable cause. This definition emphasizes the necessity for law enforcement to have sufficient reason to believe that a person has committed a crime before they can be lawfully detained. This concept is crucial in ensuring that individuals' rights are respected and that law enforcement acts within the bounds of the law.

In the context of arrests, probable cause serves as a key legal standard, ensuring that officers do not engage in arbitrary or unjustified detentions. This aspect underscores the balance between maintaining public safety and protecting citizens' freedoms. The process of arrest does not require a formal charge to be filed immediately, as the primary focus is on the immediate need to detain a person for investigative purposes or to prevent further criminal activity.

The other choices represent different actions related to law enforcement but do not encompass the legal definition of an arrest, which specifically involves the authority and justification to detain an individual.