Penitentiary

{
  "id": "MLC-T-LAW-005407",
  "term": "Penitentiary",
  "field": "Law",
  "definition": "A state or federal prison for housing individuals convicted of serious crimes, typically felonies, and sentenced to a long term of incarceration. The name originates from the concept of penance, reflecting an early correctional philosophy that imprisonment should be a time for inmates to regret their wrongdoing and reform. Modern penitentiaries are classified by security levels, ranging from minimum-security facilities to supermax institutions.",
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/law/penitentiary/"
}