Définition
Measure ordered by the liberty and detention judge at the request of the investigating judge. The latter may request that a person charged with a crime or misdemeanour punishable by at least three years in prison be placed in jail, prior to his or her trial. Pre-trial detention must be justified in accordance with the conditions laid down by law.
Remarque
Source : ministère de la Justice (site : http://justice.gouv.fr)