Which legal term describes taking possession through legal authority?

The correct answer is garnishee, which refers to a legal term describing a situation in which a third party is directed by the court to hold or deliver property or assets belonging to a debtor for the benefit of a creditor. This concept is part of the garnishment process, where a creditor can legally take possession of funds or property that belong to the debtor, usually through their employer or a financial institution. In this context, "garnishee" specifically identifies the entity or person holding the assets that are subject to legal seizure.

Garnishment itself is the broader legal process that initiates this action, while garnishee refers to the individual or institution involved in carrying it out. This distinction is vital in understanding the legal terminology and procedures associated with debt recovery and asset management within the court system.

In contrast, the terms fraud and foreclosure do not accurately capture the essence of taking possession through legal authority. Fraud pertains to deception intended to secure unfair or unlawful gain, while foreclosure refers specifically to the process by which a lender repossesses property due to a borrower’s failure to meet mortgage obligations, rather than the general act of taking possession under legal authority.