Jail

A place of confinement, typically a building, where individuals are held in custody as punishment for committing a crime or while awaiting trial. Jails are usually operated by local governments and serve to detain those convicted of less serious offenses or awaiting court proceedings. Conditions can vary significantly depending on the facility's resources and policies, impacting the safety, health, and rehabilitation of the incarcerated population. The primary function of a jail is the temporary or short-term detention of individuals.

Jail meaning with examples

• After the suspect was apprehended, the police took him straight to jail. He was charged with petty theft and awaited his arraignment. The jail housed him with other individuals arrested for minor offenses. The harsh conditions inside the facility highlighted the issues with overcrowding, inadequate staffing, and resources.
• The courtroom was filled with people as the judge sentenced the man to six months in jail for driving under the influence. The man, visibly upset, was immediately taken into custody and transported to the county jail. His family were distraught with the verdict, they had hoped he would be given community service instead of incarceration. They are visiting him as often as they can.
• The protestors, arrested during a demonstration, spent the night in jail. Their lawyer worked diligently to secure their release. The group was given an early court date. A bail was set, after which they could return home. The protestors planned future action against the perceived injustice.
• During their youth, the delinquent was in and out of jail for fighting and other petty crimes. His parents struggled to keep him on the right path. After a particularly bad offense, they finally convinced him to go to rehab. This was the last chance, they hoped, before he was sentenced to jail again.