Which is an element of false imprisonment?

• A. Intent to restrain movement
• B. Confinement within a bounded area
• C. P's knowledge of confinement
• D. A threat alone suffices

Answer: (C)

False imprisonment requires an intentional restraint of the plaintiff’s freedom of movement within a bounded area, done without privilege. An important aspect of liability is the plaintiff’s awareness of the confinement — knowing that they are being confined. This knowledge shows that the restraint actually affected the plaintiff’s liberty and supports liability under the tort. A mere threat without any actual confinement isn’t enough to establish false imprisonment, and while intent to restrain and confinement in a bounded area are part of the tort, the option focusing on the plaintiff’s knowledge of confinement best captures the mental element the question is highlighting.