A prison sentence is a punishment imposed by a court of law on an individual convicted of committing a crime. It involves spending time in a correctional facility, such as a jail or prison, to serve out the sentence handed down by the judge. The length of the sentence depends on the severity of the offense and can range from a few months to several years. During this time, the individual is separated from society and must adhere to strict rules and regulations while incarcerated. Upon completion of the prison term, the person may be released or subjected to further punishment, such as probation or parole.