Which term describes the arrestee's understanding that he is under arrest without any physical control demonstrated by the officer?

• A. Constructive Custody
• B. Custody
• C. Actual Seizure
• D. Restraint

Answer: (A)

Understanding that a person is under arrest without any physical restraint hinges on how custody can be established by authority and perception, not just by force. This situation is described as constructive custody: the arrestee believes they are not free to leave because of the officer’s commands and the surrounding circumstances, even though the officer isn’t physically controlling them. It captures the custodial status created by the officer’s presence and actions rather than by handcuffs or seized control. This differs from actual seizure, which requires physical taking or restraint, and from a broad sense of restraint, which doesn’t necessarily involve the arrestee’s belief of being under arrest.