Legal Definitions - holding cell

Definition: A holding cell is a temporary confinement facility within a courthouse or police station where an accused person is detained or confined during a trial or while awaiting sentencing. Once the accused is sentenced or found guilty, they may be transferred to a traditional jail or prison for the duration of their sentence.

Example: John was arrested for shoplifting and taken to the police station. He was placed in a holding cell while waiting for his court appearance the next day.

Explanation: In this example, John was temporarily detained in a holding cell while awaiting his court appearance. This is a common practice in the criminal justice system to ensure that the accused person is present for their trial and does not flee or pose a threat to society.