In an empty elevator, the defense attorney pushes the emergency button and refuses to reactivate it, effectively detaining the prosecutor. Has a crime occurred?

• A. Yes
• B. No
• C. False imprisonment
• D. Assault

Answer: (C)

False imprisonment centers on intentionally restraining someone’s freedom of movement without legal justification or the person’s consent. The important point is the act of confinement itself, not injury or force.

In this scenario, the defense attorney deliberately keeps the prosecutor confined inside the elevator by pressing the emergency button and refusing to reactivate the door. This action prevents the prosecutor from leaving, creating an intentional restriction of movement without the prosecutor’s consent or any stated lawful authority to detain. The confinement is complete and prima facie unlawful unless there is a valid legal privilege or justification, which isn’t described here. So, the conduct satisfies the element of unlawful confinement, making false imprisonment the best fit.