French Word of the Day: Prison ferme
Briefly

Prison ferme, or 'closed prison', indicates a fixed prison sentence in the French legal system for serious offenses. Typically, sentences longer than one year necessitate immediate incarceration. However, for sentences under one year, individuals may serve their time at home with electronic monitoring. The system also allows for mixed sentences and suspended sentences (avec sursis), adding further complexity to how punishment is administered. Understanding these distinctions is crucial, as they reflect the nuanced nature of French criminal justice procedures.
Prison ferme refers to a fixed sentence involving imprisonment, applicable mainly for serious crimes, but can sometimes lead to home confinement instead.
Even with a peine prison ferme, a sentenced individual might spend less than a year at home with an electronic tag instead of in prison.
Read at The Local France
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