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

The victims of prolific French paedophile Joel Le Scouarnec have expressed their dismay that the former surgeon's 20-year prison sentence does not include preventive detention - meaning he could be released from jail in the early 2030s.

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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