detention

Detention is the act of being kept in custody or under restraint by authorities, either temporarily for safety, investigation, or punishment, or longer in detention facilities. It encompasses various legal and institutional contexts, and the term can apply to individuals, property, or areas.

In schools, detention is a disciplinary measure in which a student is required to stay after school hours or during a break as punishment for violations of rules. It does not typically involve criminal charges; it aims to reinforce discipline and behavior management. Detention is usually supervised and recorded, with options for alternatives or abatements depending on policy.

In policing, detention refers to the temporary restraint of a person to determine identity, assess risk, or prepare for further action. This can include pre-charge detention before charges are laid, or custodial detention in a jail or holding facility. In many jurisdictions, detention is subject to legal limits, time restrictions, and rights to counsel and communication, with review by courts or prosecutors.

Immigration detention holds non-citizens pending processing, asylum decisions, or removal. Administrative detention can occur for security or public order reasons. Conditions and legal standards vary widely and are often subject to human rights scrutiny.

Detention raises concerns about due process, proportionality of restraint, risk of abuse, and humane treatment. International law and human rights bodies set standards for treatment, oversight, and alternatives to detention when possible.