Explanation
The penal system refers to the laws, courts, prisons, and correctional practices through which societies enforce criminal sanctions. It encompasses processes from sentencing to incarceration and rehabilitation. Sociologists and criminologists study it not only as a legal apparatus but as a reflection of societal values, economic conditions, and power dynamics. Changes in penal policy often mirror broader social transformations, including shifts in labor markets, governance, and public attitudes toward crime.
Theoretical Reference
David Garland’s Punishment and Modern Society (1990) analyzes the social and cultural foundations of the penal system. Rusche & Kirchheimer highlight its economic functions in Punishment and Social Structure.