What is the intent requirement for false imprisonment claims?

In a claim for false imprisonment, the intent requirement is that the defendant must act with purpose or have knowledge that their actions will result in the confinement of another person. This means that the defendant must either desire to confine the individual or know that their actions are substantially certain to lead to confinement.

This intent distinguishes false imprisonment from other torts because it focuses on the mental states of the defendant regarding the confinement. It's not sufficient for the defendant to simply cause confinement accidentally; there must be a purposeful action or at least a clear awareness that their action will lead to the individual being confined.

Understanding this intent requirement is critical in false imprisonment cases because it directly affects the ability of the plaintiff to establish liability. It is important to recognize that the means by which confinement is achieved can vary, but intent regarding the outcome is central to establishing the tort.