Here's a glossary designed to educate people about the standard terms and experiences for incarcerated people.

General Terms

1. Incarceration – The state of being confined in prison.
2. Sentence – The punishment assigned by a court, which could include time in prison, probation, or other forms of punishment.
3. Time Served – The amount of time an individual has already spent in jail or prison, which can sometimes count toward reducing their sentence.
4. Mandatory Minimum – A minimum sentence a judge must give for specific crimes, regardless of mitigating circumstances.
5. Parole – The early release of an incarcerated person who agrees to follow certain conditions and is supervised.
6. Probation – An alternative to imprisonment where the individual is released under court-ordered supervision.

Types of Prisons

1. Federal Prison – For individuals convicted of violating federal laws.
2. State Prison – For individuals convicted of violating state laws.
3. County Jail – A facility usually for individuals awaiting trial or serving shorter sentences (less than a year).
4. Private Prison – Run by private companies contracted by the government to house the incarcerated.

Time and Sentence-Related Terms

1. Life Sentence – A prison sentence that lasts for the offender's lifetime, though some may have a chance for parole.
2. Death Row – The part of a prison where the incarcerated await execution.
3. Good Time – Reducing an incarcerated person’s sentence as a reward for good behavior.
4. Overcrowding is a common problem in prisons, where the number of inmates exceeds the facility's capacity, affecting living conditions.
5. Halfway House – A transition home for the incarcerated released on parole or probation to help them reintegrate into society.

Experience