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

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

Despite the many Aboriginal communities, the British deemed the place terra nullius—no one’s land—and established a penal colony, bringing diseases that drastically reduced the indigenous population.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 28, 2026

"Landor got penal servitude for life and died on Dartmoor a year later. He was a delicate man."

From "And Then There Were None" by Agatha Christie