Legal Definitions - adult correctional institution

An adult correctional institution is a facility where convicted criminals, especially felons, are confined. It is also known as a prison, penitentiary, or penal institution. Unlike jails, which are used for short-term confinement, prisons are for long-term sentences.

• A state prison where a person convicted of murder is serving a life sentence.
• A federal penitentiary where a person convicted of drug trafficking is serving a 20-year sentence.
• A private prison managed by a company that contracts with the government to house inmates.

The examples illustrate the different types of adult correctional institutions. State and federal prisons are government-run facilities, while private prisons are managed by private companies. All of these institutions are used to confine convicted criminals for extended periods of time.