Arrest facts for kids
An arrest happens when someone's freedom to move around is taken away. This usually happens after police or other officials look into a crime, or to stop a crime from happening. The word "arrest" comes from an old language called Anglo-Norman. It's like the French word arrêt, which means "stop".
Police and some other groups are allowed to arrest people. In some places, regular people can even make an arrest. For example, in England and Wales, any person can arrest someone if they have a good reason to believe that person is committing, has committed, or is guilty of a serious crime. However, there are special rules that must be followed for this to happen.
Contents
Understanding the Word "Arrest"
The word "arrest" comes from the Anglo-Norman language. It is taken from the French word arrêt, which means 'to stop or stay'. People use many different slang words for being arrested in different countries. In British slang, people often say "nicked" to mean "arrested". The word "nick" can also mean a police station. In the United States and France, people sometimes use "collared". Another term you might hear is "lifted".
How Arrests Are Made
In the United States
When police have a good reason to believe someone has committed a serious crime, they usually put handcuffs on the arrested person. The person will then be taken to a police station or jail. At the station, they might be able to get out on bail. Or, they will have their charges read to them and be asked how they plead (say if they are guilty or not guilty). This process is called an arraignment.
In India
Indian law says that arrests do not always need to be formal. An arrest can be made by a regular citizen, a police officer, or a Magistrate (a type of judge). A police officer needs to tell the person being arrested what they did wrong. They also must tell them that they can be let go on bail if the crime allows for it.
Important Warnings During Arrest
In the United States
A Miranda warning is only needed when a person has already been arrested and is being questioned by police. This warning tells the arrested person that they have the right to remain silent. It also tells them they can have a lawyer (called a counsel) with them. The warning also explains that anything they say can be used against them in court. Police must tell the arrested person about these Miranda Rights.
In the United Kingdom
In the United Kingdom, a person must be told that they are under arrest. They must also be told, in simple words they can understand, why they are being arrested. A person must be 'cautioned' when they are arrested. This means they are given a special warning. This warning is not needed if it cannot be done, for example, if the person being arrested is being violent. The caution given in England and Wales is:
You do not have to say anything, but it may harm your defence if you do not mention when questioned something which you later rely on in court. Anything you do say may be given in evidence.
The exact words are not always needed, as long as the same information is given clearly.
Related pages
Images for kids
-
A man arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents
-
American socialist activist Lucy Parsons after her arrest for rioting during an unemployment protest at Hull House in Chicago, Illinois, 1915
See also
In Spanish: Arresto para niños
