protective custody

USAGE SUMMARY

"protective custody" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is defined as the detention or supervision of a person in a secure location in order to protect them from harm. For example, "The suspect was taken into protective custody as there were serious concerns about their safety."

✓ Grammatically correct

Law

Corrections

Child Welfare

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

For protective custody, they said".

The New Yorker

Subject: Execution of protective custody.

Yale University

36 CFR § 34.9 - Protective custody.

Cornell University

They have been placed in protective custody.

The New York Times

The family is in protective custody.

The New York Times

FRANK: They were arrested and taken into protective custody.

Yale University

The witnesses are now in protective custody, they said.

The New York Times

Her parents have also been taken into protective custody.

The Guardian

Iran initially claimed that he was in protective custody.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

You got checked in to protective custody or worse.

Vice

BILFINGER: Yes, at that time the Protective Custody Law was drawn up.

Yale University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about legal or child welfare contexts, ensure that the term "protective custody" is used accurately to reflect the specific legal and procedural implications. Use it only when a person is being lawfully confined or closely supervised for their own safety.

Common error

Avoid using "protective custody" to describe situations where a person is voluntarily seeking shelter or assistance. The term usually implies an involuntary placement by authorities due to imminent risk of harm.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "protective custody" is that of a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI shows it describes a state of being detained for safety.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

25%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "protective custody" is a commonly used noun phrase denoting the act of lawfully confining or supervising an individual for their own safety. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and primarily used in neutral register across various contexts, especially in news, legal, and child welfare settings. While alternatives exist, "protective custody" remains the standard and most direct way to describe this specific form of detention, as demonstrated by Ludwig's numerous examples from authoritative sources. When using this term, writers should ensure that it accurately reflects situations where individuals are involuntarily placed under supervision for their own protection, as a preventive measure against imminent harm.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

protected detainment

A more direct synonym, simply using a different word choice for "custody".

secure confinement

Highlights the aspect of confinement for safety, using a more general term for 'secure' rather than specifying 'protective'.

safeguarding detention

Emphasizes the act of safeguarding through detention, shifting the focus slightly from the type of custody to its purpose.

monitored confinement

Highlights the aspect of monitoring during confinement, suggesting surveillance for safety.

guarded detainment

Stresses the element of being guarded while detained, implying protection through surveillance.

supervised protection

Emphasizes the aspect of supervision as a method of protection, changing the noun-adjective order.

careful detainment

Focuses on the careful or cautious nature of the detainment, suggesting a concern for well-being.

shielded supervision

Focuses on the act of supervision that provides a shield or barrier against harm.

sheltered captivity

Uses the term "sheltered" to imply a protected environment within captivity.

secured safeguard

Inverts the original phrase to emphasize the secured nature of the safeguard measure, rather than the custody itself.

FAQs

What does "protective custody" mean in legal terms?

"Protective custody" refers to the lawful confinement or close supervision of a person by authorities to safeguard them from attack or other dangers. It is often used when someone's safety is at risk, either from external threats or self-harm.

When might someone be placed in "protective custody"?

Individuals might be placed in "protective custody" if they are witnesses to a crime, victims of abuse, or high-profile inmates who are at risk of harm from others. The goal is to ensure their safety and well-being while they are in a vulnerable situation.

What are some alternatives to saying "protective custody"?

Depending on the specific context, you could use alternatives such as "safeguarding detention", "secure confinement", or "supervised protection". These phrases convey a similar meaning but might emphasize different aspects of the situation.

How does "protective custody" differ from regular custody?

"Protective custody" is specifically intended to protect the individual in custody from harm, whereas regular custody usually relates to detention due to suspicion of committing a crime or awaiting trial. The primary motivation in "protective custody" is safety, not punishment.