Understanding Exeat: A Legal Term for Temporary Release

Exeat is a legal term that refers to a temporary release or permission granted to a student or prisoner to leave the institution or place of confinement for a specific period of time.

In the context of education, exeat is often used to allow students to go home or visit their families during school breaks or special events. For example, a school might grant an exeat to a student so they can attend a family wedding or funeral.

In the context of criminal justice, exeat is used to allow prisoners to temporarily leave the prison for various reasons, such as attending a court hearing or visiting a sick relative. The prisoner is typically required to return to the prison at the end of the exeat period.

The word "exeat" comes from the Latin phrase "excitatio," which means "a release or discharge." It has been used in legal contexts since the Middle Ages and is still used today in many countries, including the United Kingdom and Australia.