Which statement correctly defines actual possession of contraband?

Which statement correctly defines actual possession of contraband?

• A. Constructive possession is power and intention to control the item.
• B. Actual possession is physical control.
• C. Actual possession requires power to control but not physical control.
• D. Constructive possession requires knowledge of the item's location.

Answer: (B)

Actual possession means physical control of the contraband—it's being in your hands, on your person, or in a place you can immediately exercise control over. This is distinct from constructive possession, which rests on having the power and intention to control the item even without physical custody. So the statement that actual possession is physical control best defines it. The other options mix up the concepts: the first describes constructive possession, not actual possession; the third echoes the constructive idea; and the last suggests knowledge of the item's location is required for constructive possession, which isn’t the defining feature.

Actual possession means physical control of the contraband—it's being in your hands, on your person, or in a place you can immediately exercise control over. This is distinct from constructive possession, which rests on having the power and intention to control the item even without physical custody. So the statement that actual possession is physical control best defines it. The other options mix up the concepts: the first describes constructive possession, not actual possession; the third echoes the constructive idea; and the last suggests knowledge of the item's location is required for constructive possession, which isn’t the defining feature.