preventive detention

[ pri-ven-tiv di-ten-shuhn ]

noun

1. the holding of someone in jail or in an institution because they are regarded as a danger to the community.
2. English Law. imprisonment of habitual criminals for periods ranging from 5 to 14 years during which they are given corrective training or placed under psychiatric and medical care.

Word History and Origins

Origin of preventive detention¹

First recorded in 1905–10

Example Sentences

They have sought to ensure Brückner remains in preventive detention when his jail term ends next year.

From BBC

On Wednesday, chief prosecutor Ute Lindemann described Brückner as a "dangerous, psychopathic sadist" and said he should be placed in preventive detention after serving his sentence.

From BBC

Last month, when family members were watching the proceedings, another prosecutor told the judge that, regardless of the outcome of their trial, Mr. Mohammed and the others could be held forever in a form of preventive detention.

From New York Times

Regardless of the outcome of their someday trial, the men accused of plotting the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, can be held forever as prisoners in the war against terrorism in a form of preventive detention, a military prosecutor told the presiding judge on Wednesday.

From New York Times

“We are moving quickly to implement a preventive detention regime,” O’Neil told Parliament.

From Washington Times