Penal System

Definition

The penal system refers to institutions and processes involved in punishing individuals who have been convicted of crimes. It encompasses prisons, correctional facilities, probation programs, rehabilitation initiatives, and other components of the criminal justice system.

Related terms

Incarceration: The act of confining individuals in correctional facilities or prisons as part of their punishment for committing crimes.

Parole: The conditional release of prisoners before they complete their full sentence, subject to certain conditions and supervision.

Restorative Justice: An approach to criminal justice that focuses on repairing harm caused by crime through reconciliation between victims, offenders, and communities.