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Simple English definitions for legal terms
prison
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A quick definition of prison:
Prison is a place where people who have been found guilty of serious crimes are sent to stay for more than a year. It's also called a penitentiary. In the United States, there are two types of prisons: federal and state. Jails, on the other hand, are for people who are waiting for their trial or have been sentenced for less serious crimes.
A more thorough explanation:
Definition: Prison refers to a facility where people who have been convicted of a crime and sentenced to more than one year of imprisonment are confined. It is also known as a penitentiary. In the United States, there are federal and state prison systems. Unlike jails, which are used to hold people awaiting trial or those sentenced for misdemeanors, prisons are for those who have been convicted of more serious crimes.
- John was sentenced to five years in prison for robbery.
- The state prison system has been criticized for overcrowding and poor conditions.
- Martha was sent to jail for a few days after being arrested for drunk driving, but she was not sent to prison because it was her first offense.
The first two examples illustrate the definition of prison, as they both refer to people being sentenced to more than one year of imprisonment. The third example contrasts prison with jail, as Martha was only held in jail for a short time because her offense was not serious enough to warrant a longer sentence in prison.