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"Prison-related" - NYT Mini Crossword Answer

Answer

PENAL

5 letters

Clue Analysis

Clue: "Prison-related"
Position: 6 Across
Length: 5 letters
Answer: PENAL

What does PENAL mean?

PENAL is an adjective that relates to punishment, especially legal punishment for crimes. It comes from the Latin word "poena," meaning punishment or penalty.

Definitions:

  • • Relating to punishment or penalties
  • • Connected with prisons or imprisonment
  • • Subject to punishment by law
  • • Involving legal sanctions

Common Usage:

  • • Penal code
  • • Penal system
  • • Penal colony
  • • Penal institution

Why PENAL fits perfectly

The clue "Prison-related" directly points to PENAL, which is the standard adjective used to describe anything connected to the prison system, criminal punishment, or legal penalties. This is a straightforward definitional clue.

Legal Context:

PENAL is frequently used in legal terminology, such as "penal code" (laws defining crimes and punishments) and "penal system" (the network of prisons and correctional facilities).

Usage Examples

Legal: "The penal code was revised to include new cybercrime legislation."

Historical: "Australia was originally established as a penal colony for British convicts."

Administrative: "The penal system requires significant reform to address overcrowding."

Historical Context

The concept of penal systems has evolved significantly throughout history:

Penal Colonies

Historical settlements where convicts were sent as punishment, such as Australia (1788-1868) and Devil's Island.

Modern Penal Reform

Contemporary focus on rehabilitation rather than purely punitive measures, emphasizing education and job training.

Related Crossword Clues

PENAL appears in crosswords with various punishment-related clues:

• "Like some codes"

• "Punishment-related"

• "Kind of colony"

• "Correctional"

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