The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post - Help Clear Up a Legal Question: Holding a BG at Gunpoint

jmortimer · November 26, 2012, 11:42 PM

As a practical matter the difference between arrest and detention is that arrest is done under color of law. A citizen's arrest is authorized in some/most states, but I believe if you witness a crime, you can either detain or arrest in all states.

November 26, 2012, 11:42 PM	#19
jmortimer Junior member Join Date: January 24, 2010 Location: South West Riverside County California Posts: 2,763	As a practical matter the difference between arrest and detention is that arrest is done under color of law. A citizen's arrest is authorized in some/most states, but I believe if you witness a crime, you can either detain or arrest in all states.