What privilege does a private actor have when making an arrest for a felony?

The privilege that allows a private actor to make an arrest for a felony lies in their ability to use reasonable force when they have a suspicion that a felony has occurred. In the context of tort law, this principle recognizes the importance of allowing private citizens to act when they believe that a serious crime is in progress or has recently happened, thereby contributing to public safety.

The requirement for the force to be "reasonable" emphasizes that the extent of the force used must correspond with the situation at hand. It serves to prevent excessive force or actions that could lead to harm or injury to others involved. Therefore, if a private citizen reasonably believes that a felony has been committed, they are permitted to intervene, but only to the extent that their actions are proportionate to the threat presented by the suspected felony.

In contrast, the other options present concepts that do not align with established legal standards. Using "any force necessary regardless of the situation" would not be permissible, as it opens the door to potential abuses and unreasonable actions. The idea that only law enforcement officials can make arrests overlooks the legal rights provided to private citizens in specific situations like felony arrests. Lastly, detaining someone only for a misdemeanor does not address the broader authority that private citizens have concerning felonies.