What does the term "detention" refer to in a legal context?

In a legal context, "detention" refers specifically to the act of keeping someone in custody. This term is often used in relation to law enforcement and the judicial system to describe situations where an individual is held for questioning or to ensure they are present for a legal proceeding. Detention can occur before formal charges are filed and is temporary, allowing authorities to investigate without formally arresting the individual.

The other choices do not accurately define "detention" in a legal sense. Temporary lodging refers to a place where someone can stay but does not imply anything related to legal custody. A form of punishment after a trial pertains to sentencing and is not synonymous with detention, which occurs prior to any trial or adjudication. An informal warning does not involve custody or holding a person in any legal context, thus it does not align with the definition of detention.