The unlawful restraint of a person's freedom of movement without consent and without legal justification. It can occur through physical barriers, threats, or other means that prevent someone from leaving an area.
From Middle English legal terminology combining 'false' (wrongful) and 'imprisonment' (confinement). The concept developed in English common law to protect personal liberty beyond just formal jail settings, recognizing that unlawful detention could occur anywhere.
False imprisonment doesn't require an actual prison - you could be falsely imprisoned in a store, office, or even outdoors if someone prevents you from leaving! The key insight is that even blocking someone's exit or making them reasonably believe they can't leave can constitute false imprisonment, even without physical force.
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