What term defines holding a person for a limited time who is not yet answerable to a criminal offense?

The term that accurately defines holding a person for a limited time who is not yet answerable to a criminal offense is "Temporary Detention." This concept refers to the practice of detaining individuals for a short duration, typically for investigative purposes or to maintain public safety, without formally charging them with an offense.

Temporary detention allows law enforcement to ensure that they can conduct necessary investigations or ascertain the individual's identity, while giving the individual the right to remain free from a permanent arrest. This practice is significant in balancing the need for public safety with the rights of individuals, as it recognizes that not every encounter with law enforcement warrants a formal arrest that could lead to criminal charges.

In the context of the other terms, "Arrest" typically refers to the formal act of taking someone into custody, usually because they are suspected of committing a crime, which implies that there is an associated criminal offense. "Provisional Holding" is not a standard legal term recognized in law enforcement procedures, and it may cause confusion given that it is not widely used. "Unlawful Restraint" speaks to situations where an individual is held against their will without legal justification, which differs significantly from the intent and legal framework surrounding temporary detention.