Legal Definitions - kidnapping

Definition: Kidnapping is a crime where someone is taken and held against their will by force or threat of force, often to be taken to another location or hidden away. In some places, if the kidnapper hurts the victim, sexually assaults them, or demands money in exchange for their release, the crime is considered more serious and is called first-degree or aggravated kidnapping. Although the words "kidnapping" and "abduction" are sometimes used interchangeably, abduction is a broader term that doesn't always involve force.

Examples:

• A man grabs a woman off the street and forces her into his car, then drives her to a remote location and keeps her there against her will. This is kidnapping.
• A woman takes her child from their other parent's home without permission and refuses to return them. This is also considered kidnapping, even though there may not have been any force involved.

These examples illustrate how kidnapping involves taking someone against their will and holding them somewhere they don't want to be. It can happen to anyone, regardless of age, gender, or background.