What is the legal act of taking possession of property through a legal process called?

The legal act of taking possession of property through a legal process is referred to as "seizure." This term is specifically used in law enforcement contexts to describe the actions that police or other authorities take to lawfully take possession of property, often in relation to evidence in a criminal investigation or property connected to an illegal act.

Seizure is an essential procedure in the legal system designed to protect the rights of individuals while allowing law enforcement to carry out their duties. This action must typically be supported by a warrant or probable cause under appropriate legal frameworks.

Other terms in the choices refer to different concepts. Confiscation usually implies the permanent removal of property by the government or an authority without compensation, while forfeiture usually pertains to the loss of property rights as a penalty for breaking the law. Extraction does not have a recognized legal context in relation to property possession. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for grasping the nuances of property law and law enforcement procedures.