Penal refers to something related to punishment or penalties for a crime. It can also refer to a prison, jail or any other form of confinement used as a punishment for committing a criminal offense.
Usage examples
The penal code in this country strictly prohibits theft, with a punishment of up to 10 years in prison.
The judge imposed a penal sentence of community service and a hefty fine on the convicted drug dealer.
The government plans to implement a penal reform to ensure fair and humane treatment of prisoners.
The local newspaper published an article discussing the latest penal policies aimed at reducing recidivism rates.
The international community condemned the use of penal sanctions as a means of suppressing political dissent.
The warrant of arrest of the accused persons, which dated 8th August, 2017 with case no: KMD / 137x / 2017, between the Commissioner of Police (complainant) and Abdul» azeez Suleiman, (defendant) explained that, the accused: «Stands charged with the offence of inciting Section 78, disturbance 77, injurious falsehood 37, unlawful Assembly section 66, criminal conspiracy section 59 of penal code law 2017. (dailypost.ng)
I remember when American Indians in various penal systems began suing for the right to wear their hair long as an established religious observation and they won. (religion.blogs.cnn.com)
However rape within the context of penal code is considered as «a crime against morals rather than against the person.» (globaleducationmagazine.com)