What does 'physical restraint' refer to in a legal context?

In a legal context, 'physical restraint' typically refers to methods used to limit a person's movement or freedom of action. Confinement encompasses a broad range of situations where individuals are restricted in their ability to move freely. This could include being placed in a confined space, such as a cell or an area where access is limited.

Confinement is often associated with lawful scenarios, such as detention in correctional facilities or hospitals, where physical restraints may be employed to ensure safety and compliance. This definition aligns with various legal standards regarding the treatment of individuals whose movement is limited, focusing on the implications of such actions.

While options like imprisonment and detainment also imply a restriction of movement, confinement specifically captures the essence of how and where physical restraint is applied in a legal sense. Tethering, on the other hand, typically implies securing someone in place rather than a formal legal restriction on their movement. Hence, the notion of confinement provides the most accurate understanding of what physical restraint entails within legal frameworks.