Opinion ID: 178471
Heading Depth: 4
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Dictionary definitions

Text: [D]ictionary definitions are cognizable as tools for determining the ordinary meaning of words used in a statute. United States v. Maciel-Alcala, 598 F.3d 1239, 1242(9th Cir.2010). Dictionary definitions of arrest, however, do not lead to one clear meaning of arrest for purposes of interpretation of the Sentencing Guideline in question. While many dictionary definitions include the taking of an individual into custody, see Black's Law Dictionary, 116 (8th ed. 2004) (Arrest means a seizure or forcible restraint or the taking or keeping of a person in custody by legal authority, especially in response to a criminal charge.); Webster's New World Law Dictionary (2010) (an arrest is [t]he intentional deprivation, whether actual or constructive, of a person's freedom by legal authorities using forcible restraint, seizure, or otherwise taking the individual into custody, especially in response to a warrant or a suspicion based on probable cause that the person being arrested has committed a crime.); The Random House Dictionary of the English Language, 83 (1979) (arrest is defined as to seize (a person) by legal authority or warrant; take into custody.), others do not. See John Bouvier, A Law Dictionary (1856) (an arrest has been defined as the apprehending or detaining of the person, in order to be forthcoming to answer an alleged or suspected crime.); Dictionary of American History (2003) (An arrest occurs when a public officer acting under legal authority detains an individual to answer for a criminal offense.); Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of Law, (1999) (Arrest is the restraining and seizure of a person whether or not by physical force by someone acting under authority in connection with a crime in such a manner that it is reasonable under the circumstances for the person to believe that he or she is not free to leave.). These various sources demonstrate that, while most definitions of arrest require restraint, seizure, or detention, not all specify that custody is required, and most are silent as to how lengthy the period of restraint, seizure, or detention must be in order to constitute an arrest.