What does kidnapping entail according to Georgia law?

According to Georgia law, kidnapping is defined primarily as the act of abducting a person without lawful authority. This definition underscores the essence of the crime, which involves taking or holding an individual against their will, thereby depriving them of their freedom of movement. The law emphasizes that the act must occur without legal justification, indicating that consent from the person being taken or the presence of a legitimate legal basis is absent.

This definition distinguishes kidnapping from other criminal acts, such as theft or unlawful detainment, which do not specifically involve the element of abduction or the unlawful restriction of an individual's freedom in the same way. In contrast to the other options presented, which involve different actions or intents, the core aspect of kidnapping revolves around the unauthorized removal or confinement of a person. Understanding this definition is crucial, as it lays the foundation for recognizing the severity and implications of kidnapping within the legal framework of Georgia.