Final answer:
The question that cannot be legally asked during a job interview is whether the candidate has ever been arrested, as this relates to criminal history which is a protected characteristic.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question that cannot be asked during an interview is A. Have you ever been arrested? This question is considered illegal because it pertains to a candidate's criminal record, which is a protected characteristic under the law. Employers should focus on the applicant's qualifications, skills, and experience relevant to the job role. Under the Civil Rights Act of 1964, an applicant is protected against employment discrimination based on certain personal characteristics. Questions about a person's criminal history may be seen as discriminatory unless directly related to the job requirements and even then, there are restrictions.
An example of a legal and relevant question could be related to language skills if they are essential to the job, such as "What languages do you speak?" This question is permissible only if the ability to speak different languages is relevant to the job duties.
When faced with an illegal question, candidates have the right to decline to answer and inquire why such information is necessary. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is a resource for guidance and complaints in the event of suspected discrimination during the hiring process.