What does the term "corrections" refer to?

The term "corrections" refers to the system responsible for overseeing individuals who have been arrested, convicted, and sentenced. This encompasses various elements within the criminal justice system, including jails, prisons, probation, and parole. Corrections aims to manage and rehabilitate offenders in order to prevent future crimes, maintain public safety, and support the reintegration of individuals into society after they have served their sentences.

In this context, corrections involve not only confinement in penal institutions but also community supervision and the various programs that address the needs of offenders, such as education, job training, and mental health support. The ultimate goal is to facilitate rehabilitation and reduce recidivism, helping former offenders lead productive lives post-incarceration. This broad and systemic view of corrections emphasizes its crucial role in the justice process and societal safety.