FindLaw Legal Dictionary
The FindLaw Legal Dictionary -- free access to over 8260 definitions of legal terms. Search for a definition or browse our legal glossaries.
term:
Detention
-
detention n
-
1 : the act or fact of detaining or holding back
;esp
: a holding in custody
2 : the state of being detained
;esp
: a period of temporary custody prior to a trial or hearing see also preventive detention
Source: Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of Law ©1996. Merriam-Webster, Incorporated. Published under license with Merriam-Webster, Incorporated.