Which term refers to an item that is illegally possessed?

The term that refers to an item that is illegally possessed is "contraband." This term encompasses a wide range of items that are prohibited by law, whether due to their illegal nature or the ownership of such items being restricted. Contraband can include drugs, weapons, stolen property, or any goods that are illegal to acquire, possess, or distribute.

Contraband is distinguished from other terms here because it explicitly highlights the illegal status of the item in terms of possession and use. Rather than focusing solely on items that may have been stolen, contraband also includes items that might not be inherently stolen but are illegal to have for various reasons, such as drugs or unlicensed firearms. This broader scope emphasizes the illegality of possession regardless of the item's original status.

The other terms, while related to illegal items, do not capture the full spectrum of illegal possession as effectively as "contraband" does. For instance, "stolen property" specifically refers to items that were taken unlawfully from their owners, while "illegal goods" and "unlawful items" may imply illegality but lack the specific connotation of prohibition tied to the act of possession. Thus, the most accurate term for an item that is illegally possessed is "contraband."