Gaol

A gaol (also spelled jail or goal, and sometimes written as 'ghol' in older texts) is a place of confinement, particularly a building used to imprison individuals. It's typically managed by law enforcement or judicial authorities and is designed to hold people awaiting trial, serving a sentence for a crime, or detained for other legal reasons. Gaols vary widely in size, security, and the nature of the conditions, from rudimentary cells to complex, modern correctional facilities. Historically, gaols were often associated with harsh conditions and punishments, while contemporary usage often implies a more formalized legal process and a greater focus on rehabilitation, although this is not always the reality. The term highlights the concept of temporary or long-term detention from society as a consequence of a criminal justice procedure.

Gaol meaning with examples

• The sheriff ordered the unruly mob to be dispersed, with plans to gaol any individuals who refused to leave the public property and those who committed violent acts, once arrested. This action was seen as a necessary step to restore order after a heated political protest got out of hand.
• Following the trial's conclusion, the convicted fraudster was immediately taken into custody and transferred to the city gaol, where he would begin serving his five-year sentence. His lawyers stated that they would appeal the verdict based on questionable evidence.
• The infamous pirate, known for his ruthlessness on the high seas, was finally captured after years of evading authorities. He was taken ashore and placed in the local gaol, awaiting his trial for crimes of piracy and murder, in a cramped cell.
• The overcrowding within the older gaol had reached a critical point, prompting local officials to consider building a new, larger facility to alleviate the cramped conditions. It's believed the poor conditions contributed to rising rates of depression among the incarcerated.
• During the medieval period, the gaol was more than just a place of imprisonment. The gaol was also a central point of social control, where punishments often extended beyond mere confinement, including public shaming, corporal punishments and displays.