What offense is committed when a person retains a child younger than 18, in violation of a court's judgment?

The offense of retaining a child younger than 18 in violation of a court's judgment is accurately described as interference with child custody. This criminal act occurs when an individual disregards a court order pertaining to custody arrangements and unlawfully retains, conceals, or entices a child away from their lawful custodian. The legal principle here hinges on the concept that custody orders are designed to protect the best interests of the child, and violating this order undermines that objective.

In this context, the focus is on the infringement of the court’s jurisdiction and the potential harm that can arise from ignoring established custody rulings. Law enforcement and judicial systems prioritize the enforcement of custody agreements to ensure stability and safety for the child involved.

Other potential options like child endangerment, parental kidnapping, and child neglect have distinct legal definitions and elements that do not directly pertain to the violation of a custody order in the same way that interference with child custody does. Understanding the nuances of these terms helps clarify why the specific act of retaining a child against a court's order falls squarely into the category of custody interference.