ARRESTABLE OFFENCE Meaning and
Definition
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An "arrestable offence" refers to a criminal offense that is serious and significant enough to warrant the immediate arrest of the offender by the authorities. It is an offense that carries substantial penalties or poses a significant threat to public safety or security. The term "arrestable" implies that the offense is grave enough to require immediate action by law enforcement agencies for the protection, apprehension, and proper investigation of the alleged perpetrator.
The classification of an offense as arrestable depends on the legal system of a particular jurisdiction, as the laws may vary among different countries or regions. In many jurisdictions, the determination of whether an offense is arrestable is governed by legislation that sets out specific criteria or circumstances under which the police have the power to arrest an individual. The threshold for an arrestable offense may include factors such as the severity of the crime, the potential risk it poses to individuals or society, or the likelihood of the offender absconding or interfering with the course of justice.
Once an arrestable offense has been committed, law enforcement officials are empowered to immediately detain the alleged offender, thereby temporarily restricting their freedom of movement. This allows for the gathering of evidence, the protection of potential victims, and the facilitation of subsequent legal proceedings. The arrestee is then entitled to procedural rights, such as the right to legal representation, the right to remain silent, and the right to be informed of the reasons for their arrest.
Etymology of ARRESTABLE OFFENCE
The word "arrestable" comes from the verb "arrest", which originates from Middle English "arest(en)" and Old French "arester". Both of these terms ultimately derive from the Latin word "ad-" meaning "to" and "restare" meaning "to stop, resist". The word "offence" comes from the Latin word "offendere" meaning "to strike against, offend". When combined, the phrase "arrestable offence" refers to an act or behavior that is punishable by arrest.
