custody
[Latin
custodia, from
custod-
custos guardian]
: care or control exercised by a person or authority over something or someone: as
a : supervision and control over property that usually includes liability for damage that may occur
b : care and maintenance of a child that includes the right to direct the child's activities and make decisions regarding the child's upbringing compare
visitation joint custody : custody of a child shared by divorced or separated parents who alternate physical custody of and share in decisions regarding the child called also
shared custody phys·i·cal custody : custody that includes sharing a residence with a child
shared custody : joint custody in this entry
sole custody : custody of a child awarded to only one person and usually to a parent
tem·po·rary custody : custody awarded until a final judgment in a matter (as a divorce) is made
c : official restraint on freedom (as by arrest or imprisonment or by release on bail, personal recognizance, probation, or parole) compare
arrest constructive custody : custody of a person (as a parolee) who is not under immediate physical control but whose freedom is controlled or restrained by legal authority
penal custody : custody of a person (as in a correctional institution) as a form of punishment
phys·i·cal custody : custody of a person (as an arrestee) whose freedom is under the actual and immediate control of an official
NOTE: A person need not be in physical custody to be entitled to habeas corpus protection. preventive custody : custody of a person (as a criminal defendant awaiting trial) for the purpose of preventing further possible dangerous or criminal behavior
pro·tec·tive custody : physical custody of a person for his or her own safety