What must occur for an act to qualify as kidnapping?

For an act to qualify as kidnapping under Georgia law, the essential element is the movement of the victim, which aligns with the correct choice. Kidnapping generally involves the unlawful and intentional confinement or removal of a person against their will. The act of moving the victim, whether short or long distances, is a critical factor that distinguishes kidnapping from other offenses.

The concept revolves around the idea that a victim’s movement or confinement, done without consent, infringes upon their personal liberty and creates a serious risk of harm or fear, which is why it is treated as a severe crime. Without the element of movement, the act may not fulfill the legal criteria for kidnapping.

In the context of the other options, while consent of the victim can negate the claim of kidnapping if the victim agreed to the movement or confinement, it does not serve as a qualifying element for the crime. Legal authority, such as actions taken by law enforcement during a lawful arrest, also negates the kidnapping classification. Injury to the victim, while often associated with the consequences of kidnapping, is not a necessary element for the offense itself to exist.