People vs. persons

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Hi everybody! I would like to ask about the word "people" and "persons". I remember when I was in grade school that the plural form of person is people, it was never persons. How did it come about that persons is used nowadays? Is it because of the phrase "what do you mean 'people'" if you know that I mean? Is the word "persons" widely accepted as a correct plural form nowadays to be politically correct? Or is there some other reason? I'm curious because as much as possible, I want and try to use correct grammar and semantics. This one boggles me. Thanks and have a nice day!