How does "remand" function in the criminal justice system?

Remand in the criminal justice system primarily refers to the act of holding an individual in custody while they await trial. This detention can occur for various reasons, including the risk of the individual fleeing, the potential to commit further crimes, or concerns for their safety or that of others if released. During this time, the defendant remains in custody, often in a prison or detention center, until their court appearance.

Remand serves to ensure that the judicial process can proceed smoothly; it maintains the integrity of the trial by ensuring that the individual is present for all court proceedings. It does not involve sentencing, which happens after a trial or guilty plea, and it is distinct from probation, which is a supervised release after a conviction, allowing offenders to serve their sentences outside of confinement. The focus of remand is specifically on pre-trial detention rather than the outcomes of the trial itself.