Avoid this term when referring to a person who is incarcerated or has been convicted of a crime. Instead, use people-first language. The Marshall Project, a nonpartisan, nonprofit news organization that covers the U.S. criminal justice system, recommends referring to people who are confined in correctional facilities with constructions that include “person” or “people,” a subject’s name and/or fixed biographical characteristics like age or state. Examples:
incarcerated people
imprisoned people
people in prison
people in jail
people jailed in X facility
formerly incarcerated people
John Doe, who was incarcerated at FCI Memphis
Jane Doe, who is serving 12 years in FCI Dublin
A 34-year-old detained in Los Angeles County Jail
Imprisoned in 1989, Joe Doe has filed an appeal
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