inmate

Inmate is a term used to refer to a person who is confined within a correctional facility, such as a jail or prison, under the authority of a state, province, or national government. Inmates may be housed while serving a sentence after conviction, or while detained pending trial or adjudication. The usage and scope of the term vary by jurisdiction.

In many systems, jails hold pretrial detainees and individuals serving short sentences, while prisons house those convicted of crimes serving longer terms. The label can apply to adults and, in some places, to youths in dedicated facilities. In some contexts, the term prisoner or detainee may be used instead of inmate, depending on status and local practice.

During confinement, inmates retain certain legal rights and protections, though these rights are balanced against security and orderly operation of the facility. Access to medical care, religious services, education, work programs, and attorney communications are typical components of custody settings, with policies varying by jurisdiction and facility.

The term has faced criticism for stigmatizing associations. Some jurisdictions and advocates prefer alternatives such as detainee, resident, or participant, especially for those awaiting adjudication or for younger populations. In official records and reporting, inmate remains a common neutral descriptor of a person under confinement.