Unlawful Detention

/ˌʌnˈlɔːfʊl dɪˈtɛnʃən/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The act of holding a person against their will without legal authority or justification.
    The detainee filed a complaint alleging unlawful detention by the police.

Forms

  • unlawful detention
  • unlawful detentions

Commentary

Unlawful detention typically forms the basis for civil or constitutional claims; it's important to distinguish it from lawful arrest under proper authority.

This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.

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