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Simple English definitions for legal terms
penitentiary
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A quick definition of penitentiary:
A penitentiary is a type of prison where people who have committed serious crimes are sent to be punished and corrected. The word comes from a Latin word that means "repentance." In the Catholic Church, a penitentiary is a special court that deals with confession and forgiveness.
A more thorough explanation:
The term penitentiary comes from the Latin word "paenitentia," which means repentance. A penitentiary is a type of prison or correctional facility that is used to hold and rehabilitate individuals who have been convicted of serious crimes.
For example, a person who has been found guilty of murder may be sentenced to serve time in a penitentiary. While there, they will be expected to reflect on their actions and work towards becoming a better person.
In the Roman Catholic Church, a penitentiary is a tribunal that deals with matters related to confession, penance, and dispensation. This type of penitentiary is presided over by a cardinal and has jurisdiction over a wide range of spiritual matters.
Overall, the term penitentiary refers to a place where individuals are held accountable for their actions and given the opportunity to make amends for their mistakes.