What constitutes a seizure of a person?

A seizure of a person occurs when law enforcement officers exercise physical control over an individual or when the individual yields to the officer's authority. When a peace officer physically applies force, it directly demonstrates the officer's intention to assert control over the individual. Similarly, if an individual submits to an officer's authority—acknowledging the officer's right to detain or investigate—a seizure has also taken place. This concept of "seizure" is grounded in legal principles surrounding police authority and individual rights, typically referenced in the context of the Fourth Amendment.

In contrast, stopping someone for questioning may not always constitute a seizure, as it could simply involve a consensual encounter where the individual is free to leave. Additionally, a physical resistance from a person does not necessarily equate to a seizure; instead, it may reflect an attempt to evade or challenge authority rather than indicate control has been exerted by the officer. Lastly, the issuance of a citation does not imply a physical seizure but rather a formal notice of an alleged infraction, which can occur without the direct physical control typically associated with a seizure.