persons vs people

[Tan Elaine]

The Internal Security Act was used against persons/people deemed to be agitating racial discord and persons/people engaged in espionage.

Which word in bold in each case should I use? The word 'persons' is used in the sentence? Would it be wrong if 'people' is used 'instead'?

Thanks.

[5jj]

The Internal Security Act was used against persons/people deemed to be agitating racial discord and persons/people engaged in espionage.

Which word in bold in each case should I use? The word 'persons' is used in the sentence? Would it be wrong if 'people' is used 'instead'?

Thanks.

''Persons' is more legalistic, 'people' more common in everyday language.