Detention, of one form or another, often forms a central element of States' criminal justice responses to terrorism. Imprisonment is by far the most frequent sanction for persons found guilty of terrorism offences. Detention prior to conviction may also be used to prevent a suspect facing trial from absconding, intimidating witnesses or otherwise tampering with the evidence. In some circumstances, detention may also be used outside the context of the criminal justice process, as a security measure including in a counter-terrorism setting, to protect the public or national security by controlling or limiting an individual's movements. It may further be used to secure the presence of a person subject to extradition proceedings.
Although the use of detention in such circumstances will often be lawful, there is always a risk of misuse of the power to detain, with significant ensuing consequences for those individuals affected. These can range from making a detainee more vulnerable to acts of torture or other forms of ill-treatment, including extraordinary rendition, examined in Module 9, to denying them the fundamental right to a fair trial discussed in Module 11. The key objective of this Module is to identify and examine the relevant legal frameworks applicable during both peacetime and armed conflict settings, together with some of the most significant contemporary issues giving grounds for concern.
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