False arrest
| Part of the common law series | 
| Tort law | 
|---|
| (Outline) | 
| Trespass to the person | 
| Property torts | 
| Dignitary torts | 
| Negligent torts | 
| Principles of negligence | 
| Strict and absolute liability | 
| Nuisance | 
| Economic torts | 
| 
 | 
| Defences | 
| Liability | 
| Remedies | 
| Other topics in tort law | 
| 
 | 
| By jurisdiction | 
| Other common law areas | 
False arrest, unlawful arrest or wrongful arrest is a common law tort, where a plaintiff alleges they were held in custody without probable cause, or without an order issued by a court of competent jurisdiction. Although it is possible to sue law enforcement officials for false arrest, the usual defendants in such cases are private security firms.