Custodial Sentence

/ˈkʌstədɪəl ˈsɛntəns/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A judicially imposed punishment requiring the offender to be confined in a prison or similar institution.
    The judge imposed a custodial sentence of five years for the crime.

Forms

  • custodial sentences

Commentary

The term specifically denotes sentences involving physical confinement, distinguishing them from alternative sanctions like probation.

This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.

Draft confidently with Amicus

Create, negotiate, and sign agreements in one secure workspace—invite collaborators, track revisions, and keep audit-ready records automatically.

Open the Amicus app