penal

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.

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

“As well as realistic criminal investigation when they’ve committed a crime in violation of a penal code.”

From Los Angeles Times • May 5, 2026

At the time of his death, Navalny had been in jail for three years and had latterly been transferred to an Arctic penal colony.

From BBC • Feb. 15, 2026

The punishment for which in Colombia is a prison sentence of between 26 to 45 years, according to the country's penal code.

From Barron's • Jan. 28, 2026

My automatic response was to think he had come upon some way I could work a hype on the penal authorities.

From "The Autobiography of Malcolm X" by Alex Malcolm X;Hailey