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penal

[peen-l] / ˈpin l /


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

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Under the islands’ penal code, a single fender-bender with an endemic animal can carry severe consequences.

From The Wall Street Journal Jul. 13, 2026

In fall 2025, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed into law AB 847, which amended the penal code to allow oversight commissions to receive confidential sheriff’s department documents and review them in closed session.

From Los Angeles Times Jun. 17, 2026

The interim government is prosecuting Atef Najib under the 1949 penal code, a statute written for ordinary murder, not for crimes against humanity.

From Slate May 27, 2026

He was transferred to a less harsh penal colony in Russia's Udmurtia region in 2024.

From Barron's May 8, 2026

But like violent crime in general, the murder rate cannot explain the growth of the penal apparatus.

From "The New Jim Crow" by Michelle Alexander




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