Definitions
- Referring to someone who is being held in custody by the authorities for questioning or investigation. - Talking about someone who is being temporarily held for immigration purposes. - Describing someone who is being held in custody but has not yet been charged with a crime.
- Referring to someone who is serving a sentence in jail or prison. - Talking about someone who has been convicted of a crime and is being held in custody. - Describing someone who has been captured during a war or conflict and is being held as a prisoner of war.
List of Similarities
- 1Both refer to individuals who are being held in custody.
- 2Both can be held against their will.
- 3Both may have limited freedom of movement.
- 4Both may be subject to interrogation or questioning.
- 5Both may be under the supervision of authorities.
What is the difference?
- 1Legal status: Detainee refers to someone who is being held in custody but has not yet been charged with a crime, while prisoner refers to someone who has been convicted of a crime and is serving a sentence.
- 2Duration: Detainee is often held for a shorter period than prisoner, who may be incarcerated for months or years.
- 3Rights: Prisoner has fewer rights than detainee, who may have access to legal representation and other protections.
- 4Connotation: Detainee has a more neutral connotation than prisoner, which can carry negative associations.
Remember this!
Detainee and prisoner both refer to individuals who are being held in custody, but there are significant differences between the two terms. A detainee is someone who is being held for questioning or investigation, while a prisoner is someone who has been convicted of a crime and is serving a sentence. Additionally, detainee is often used in the context of immigration or wartime, while prisoner is more commonly associated with criminal justice.
