A "penal institution" is a facility where individuals who have committed crimes are detained for punishment, rehabilitation, and reformation. There are several synonyms for the term "penal institution," each with its own shade of meaning. "Correctional facility" refers to a place where criminals are corrected and rehabilitated to become law-abiding citizens. A "jail" is a place where individuals are incarcerated for short periods, typically those awaiting trial or those with short sentences. "Prison" is a term for a long-term confinement facility for individuals after a trial and sentencing. "Reformatory" refers to a penal institution that aims to reform the behavior of individuals and prepare them for a successful reentry into society.