A prison , [ a ] also known as a jail , [ b ] gaol , [ c ] penitentiary , detention center , [ d ] correction center , correctional facility , remand center , hoosegow , or slammer , is a facility where people are imprisoned under the authority of the state , usually as punishment for various crimes.
Prisons are most commonly used within a criminal-justice system by authorities: people charged with crimes may be imprisoned until their trial ; those who have pleaded or been found guilty of crimes at trial may be sentenced to a specified period of imprisonment.
Prisons can also be used as a tool for political repression by authoritarian regimes who detain perceived opponents for political crimes , often without a fair trial or due process ; this use is illegal under most forms of international law governing fair administration of justice.
At any time, states may imprison civilians — sometimes large groups of civilians — in internment camps. In American English , the terms prison and jail have separate definitions, though this is not always adhered to in casual speech. In New Zealand , the terms "jail" and "prison" are commonly used, although the terms "correctional facility" and "prison" among others are in official usage. In Papua New Guinea , "prison" is officially used, although "jail" is widely understood and more common in usage.
In Australia , the words "gaol", "jail" and "prison" are commonly used. Officially, the term "correctional centre" is used for almost all prisons in New South Wales and Queensland , while other states and territories use a variety of names. Youth prisons in Australia are referred to as "youth correctional facilities" or "youth detention centres" among other names, depending on the jurisdiction. In Canada , while the terms "jail" and "prison" are commonly used in speech, officially named facilities use "facility", "correctional centre", "penitentiary", or "institution".
