Prisoners

Prisoners are individuals who are deprived of their liberty by order of a court or other competent authority. They may be convicted offenders serving sentences, or detainees awaiting trial or sentencing. Juvenile offenders are often housed separately in youth facilities, with age-appropriate programs.

Prison facilities range from minimum to maximum security and may include separate cells, dormitory-style housing, or specialized units. Conditions vary by jurisdiction but are generally governed by legal and regulatory standards intended to ensure safety, humane treatment, and access to essential services such as food, healthcare, sanitation, and hygiene. Prisoners typically have rights to legal representation, access to information, correspondence, and visits, and are entitled to protection from torture and cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment. International standards, such as the United Nations Nelson Mandela Rules, guide the treatment and conditions of confinement.

The aims of imprisonment include punishment, deterrence, incapacitation, and rehabilitation. Many systems operate education and vocational training, mental health and substance abuse programs, and religious or cultural services. Release mechanisms can include parole, probation, or discharge after serving a sentence, with aftercare and community reintegration support to reduce recidivism.

Challenges facing prison systems include overcrowding, staffing shortages, budget constraints, and concerns about the welfare and rights of prisoners. Reforms often focus on alternatives to incarceration for low-risk offenders, improvements in prison governance, and programs designed to reduce reoffending.