prison sentence

A prison sentence is a legal punishment imposed by a court when someone is found guilty of committing a crime. It requires the individual to stay in a correctional facility for a designated period, which can vary from months to many years, depending on the severity of the offense. The purpose is to hold the person accountable, protect society, deter future crimes, and sometimes rehabilitate the individual. During the sentence, the person may have limited freedom, work, and participate in programs designed to support their eventual reintegration into society.