Correctional is an adjective that relates to the act or process of making a change or adjustment in order to rectify or improve something. It refers to actions or measures taken to reform or rehabilitate individuals who have committed a crime and have been sentenced to a period of confinement or supervision.
In the context of criminal justice, correctional institutions such as prisons, jails, or detention centers are established to house and manage individuals who have been convicted of crimes. These institutions aim to correct or change the behavior of inmates through a variety of methods, including education, counseling, training, and strict supervision.
The term correctional also extends to programs, services, and professionals who operate within these institutions to provide support and opportunities for rehabilitation. Correctional officers, social workers, psychologists, and other personnel play crucial roles in the process of correction and helping offenders reintegrate into society upon release.
Additionally, correctional can be used to describe measures taken by the criminal justice system to correct errors or injustices in sentencing, prosecutions, or convictions. This may involve reviewing and revising cases, granting appeals, or implementing reforms to prevent future mistakes or ensure fairness in the system.
Overall, the term correctional encompasses the various processes, institutions, and efforts undertaken to reform, rehabilitate, and improve individuals who have committed crimes, as well as to rectify errors and injustices within the criminal justice system.
