The phrase "penal system" refers to the system of laws, institutions, and processes used by a government to punish people who break the law. It includes things like prisons, courts, and rehabilitation programs. Full definition
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This fact based story from the mid 50s American penal system is a sobering and dramatic reminder of how many states treated mentally ill patients, criminal or otherwise (rottentomatoes.com)
We are forced to conclude that even today, with our modern penal systems, safety is still an issue. (firstthings.com)
According to China Aid, Zhang and Liu are being held for six months in a so - called «black jail,» one of several detention facilities outside the established penal system. (christianitytoday.com)