What distinguishes a prison from a jail?

Prisons are designed to house individuals who have been convicted of serious crimes and typically serve sentences that last more than one year. This distinguishes them from jails, which generally hold individuals awaiting trial or those serving shorter sentences, often one year or less.

The operational capacity of prisons is intended for long-term confinement, while jails focus on short-term detention. The difference in duration of stay is a critical element in understanding the roles these facilities serve in the criminal justice system. This distinction underscores the purpose of each facility: jails deal with individuals during the early stages of the criminal process, while prisons serve as long-term confinement institutions for those with completed sentencing.