When does a person commit kidnapping?

A person commits kidnapping when they secretly confine another against their will by force. This definition highlights two critical components of the act: the element of secrecy in the confinement and the use of force. Kidnapping involves not just restraining a person physically but also doing so in a manner that is hidden from public view, which increases the severity of the offense. The use of force indicates that the individual is held without consent, which is a fundamental aspect of the crime.

The focus on both secrecy and force distinguishes kidnapping from other types of unlawful restraint or detention. For example, merely restraining someone without the element of secrecy or force might not meet the legal criteria for kidnapping. Thus, the combination of these factors establishes the seriousness of the crime and why it's classified as kidnapping.