Seized Definition and Legal Meaning

On this page, you'll find the legal definition and meaning of Seized, written in plain English, along with examples of how it is used.

What is Seized?

(n) Seized is the state of possessing and controlling of any article , property etc either came to his possession by ownership or by other legitimate means like search and seize warrant execution.

History and Meaning of Seized

The term seized has its origins in old French "seisir" which means to "take possession of" or "to take into one's hands". In legal terms, seized refers to the state of having control and possession of any article, property, etc. Either by ownership or by other legal means like a search and seizure warrant execution. The term is commonly used in legal documents such as court orders, indictments and others.

Examples of Seized

  1. The police seized the drugs from the suspect's car during a routine inspection.
  2. In a divorce settlement, the court seized the couple's property and awarded it to the ex-wife.
  3. As part of the investigation, the authorities seized the suspect's computer to search for evidence of the crime.
  4. The bank seized the property from the owner for not paying the mortgage on time.
  5. The government seized the property to make way for a new highway project.

Legal Terms Similar to Seized

  1. Confiscated - refers to property that has been seized by the government or law enforcement agencies.
  2. Forfeiture - the loss of property or assets as a penalty for breaking the law.
  3. Attachment - the legal process of seizing the assets of a defendant in a civil lawsuit to prevent their transfer or sale pending trial.