ARRESTABLE Meaning and
Definition
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The term "arrestable" refers to the quality or characteristic of being eligible for arrest. It pertains to an individual's actions or behaviors that warrant law enforcement intervention, leading to their detention or custodial restraint. An arrestable offense is an alleged act that violates the law and is grave enough to justify an arrest.
In legal contexts, an arrestable offense typically involves criminal conduct that poses a significant threat to public safety, security, or order. These offenses can range from serious crimes such as murder, robbery, or assault, to offenses such as theft, fraud, or drug-related activities, depending on the jurisdiction and its respective laws. The categorization of offenses as arrestable is fundamental for the lawful exercise of state authority, enabling law enforcement agencies to apprehend and detain individuals suspected of committing crimes.
The concept of being arrestable is closely intertwined with the principle of due process, ensuring that individuals are not arbitrarily deprived of their liberty. Principles of proportionality and necessity usually guide the determination of arrestability, requiring law enforcement to assess the severity of the alleged offense and the level of threat posed before making an arrest. While arrestable offenses may warrant immediate detention, the process of arrests often involves adherence to specific legal procedures, such as the issuance of warrants, the reading of rights, and the requisite evidence to support lawful arrest.
Overall, "arrestable" signifies the suitability of an offense or an individual's conduct for arrest based on the violation of legal statutes, the seriousness of the crime committed, and the necessity to maintain public safety and order.
Etymology of ARRESTABLE
The word "arrestable" is derived from the verb "arrest".
The verb "arrest" comes from the Middle English word "aresten", which was borrowed from the Old French word "arester". "Arester" ultimately traces back to the Latin word "arrestare", which means "to stop" or "to stay".
The suffix "-able" simply adds the meaning of "capable of" or "able to" to the word, indicating that something or someone is capable of being arrested or can be subjected to arrest.
