What does "escape" refer to in a legal context?

In a legal context, "escape" specifically refers to an unauthorized departure from custody. This term is typically applied to situations where an individual, who is being held in a detention facility or under police custody, leaves that facility without permission or legal justification. This action is viewed as a violation of law and constitutes an offense on its own, as it undermines the legal system's ability to administer justice.

This understanding differentiates it from other possible interpretations of failure to adhere to legal obligations, such as not appearing in court, not returning to custody after a sanctioned leave, or failing to comply with community supervision conditions, all of which involve non-compliance with legal orders or requirements but do not specifically define "escape." Each of those situations represents a different legal violation rather than the act of escaping custody itself.