What is the difference between jail and prison?

The distinction between jail and prison primarily revolves around the duration and purpose of confinement. Jail is typically used for short-term detention, often housing individuals awaiting trial or serving brief sentences for minor offenses. These facilities handle individuals who may be arrested for various reasons, including misdemeanors or those unable to post bail prior to trial.

On the other hand, prison is intended for long-term incarceration, housing individuals convicted of more serious crimes, typically felonies, who are serving extended sentences. The typical length of time spent in prison is significantly longer than in jail, reflecting the severity of the offenses.

This clear differentiation based on the length of stay and purpose of confinement is foundational to understanding the criminal justice system, making this aspect critical for anyone studying crime and criminal justice. The other options provided do not accurately capture the primary differences between jail and prison in the context of their functions and the nature of detainees.