What differentiates a jail from a prison?

A key distinguishing feature of jails is that they primarily house individuals who are awaiting trial or who have been convicted of misdemeanors and are serving short sentences. Jails are typically operated at the local or county level and are designed to detain individuals for shorter durations, which can include those charged with lesser offenses or those who are awaiting their court dates.

On the other hand, prisons serve as long-term facilities where individuals who have been convicted of more serious crimes, typically felonies, are housed for extended sentences. This distinction in the duration of incarceration and the types of offenses for which individuals are held underscores the correct choice. Therefore, jails accommodating misdemeanor offenders distinguishes them from prisons, reinforcing the unique functions and populations of each type of facility.