What is one of the key elements required to establish a case of kidnapping?

To establish a case of kidnapping, one of the key elements is that the defendant secretly confined the victim. This element is crucial because kidnapping typically involves the unlawful taking or transportation of a person against their will, and confinement indicates that the victim is not free to leave. Secret confinement means that the victim was kept in a location without their consent and often without their knowledge that they were being confined, which amplifies the seriousness of the offense.

The idea of lawful authority, voluntary compliance from the victim, or the presence of a witness does not adequately support the definition of kidnapping. Lawful authority would imply that the defendant had a right to take the victim, which contradicts the concept of kidnapping. Similarly, if the victim willingly followed the defendant, it implies consent rather than coercion or unlawful behavior. A witness may be relevant in a broader context of evidence, but it is not a necessary component for establishing the crime of kidnapping itself.