What is a key element of unlawful imprisonment?

Unlawful imprisonment primarily revolves around the unlawful confinement of an individual against their will. The central element of this crime is the act of restraining a person without lawful justification. When considering the use of a dangerous instrument, such as a weapon, to maintain that control, it becomes evident that this form of restraint significantly heightens the severity of the offense. Employing a dangerous instrument implies not only the physical act of confinement but also an intention to exert power over the victim through intimidation or threat, which is a crucial aspect of unlawful imprisonment.

The other elements highlight various situations but may not adequately encompass the core aspect of unlawful imprisonment. For instance, while the use of a firearm could certainly be associated with criminal activities, it does not inherently define unlawful imprisonment unless the firearm is directly linked to the act of confinement. Keeping a victim "under wraps" could suggest restraint or confinement but lacks the specific legal definition and does not always imply illegal imprisonment. Similarly, the intention to cause permanent harm speaks to a different legal concept and does not necessarily equate to unlawful imprisonment, which focuses more on the act of restraint rather than the intention behind it.