Legal Definitions - preventive detention

Preventive detention is a type of confinement that is imposed on a person who is suspected of committing a crime or is considered a threat to society. It is done to prevent the person from causing harm to others or escaping before their trial.

• A person who has a history of violence and has been arrested for assault may be placed in preventive detention to ensure they do not harm anyone while awaiting trial.
• A mentally ill person who has a history of violent behavior may be placed in preventive detention to prevent them from causing harm to themselves or others.

These examples illustrate how preventive detention is used to protect society from potential harm. It is a controversial practice because it involves depriving a person of their freedom before they have been convicted of a crime. However, it is sometimes necessary to ensure public safety.