When someone is convicted of a crime, they may be sent to jail or a penitentiary. While these two terms are often used interchangeably, there is a significant difference between jail and penitentiary. This blog post will explore the differences between jail and penitentiary, and provide some insight into which option may be best for you or a loved one.
What is Jail?
A jail is a correctional facility that holds individuals who have been accused of or convicted of a crime. Jails are typically run by the local government, and they are used to hold people who are awaiting trial or who have been sentenced to a short term of incarceration. Jail is distinct from prison in that it is not intended for long-term confinement.
In addition, jails typically have fewer amenities and privileges than prisons. For example, prisoners may be allowed to work outside of the jail, while inmates typically remain confined to the jail facility. Jail is also different from probation in that it is a form of incarceration, while probation is a form of supervision that does not involve confinement.
What is a Penitentiary?
A penitentiary is a type of correctional facility that is used to house people who have been convicted of serious crimes. Penitentiaries are typically run by the state or federal government, and they are used to detain people who are considered to be a danger to society. Penitentiaries are usually much larger and more secure than other types of correctional facilities, such as county jails or juvenile detention centers.
Inmates in a penitentiary are typically held in cells for 23 hours per day, with one hour set aside for exercise or recreation. Penitentiaries also offer educational and vocational programs, which can help inmates prepare for life after release.
Difference between Jail and Penitentiary
Jail and penitentiary are two terms that are often used interchangeably, but there are some important differences between the two. Jail is a short-term facility used to hold criminals who are awaiting trial or sentencing, or who have been sentenced to a term of less than one year. Penitentiaries, on the other hand, are long-term facilities used to hold criminals who have been sentenced to a term of more than one year.
In addition, jails are typically run by local sheriff’s departments, while penitentiaries are run by state or federal governments. As a result, penitentiaries tend to be much larger and more secure than jails. Finally, inmates in jail are typically allowed to have contact with the outside world (via phone calls, visits, etc.), while inmates in a penitentiary are typically cut off from all contact except for correspondence with their lawyers.
Conclusion
The terms jail and penitentiary are often used interchangeably, but there is a distinct difference between the two. Jail is usually run by a county and houses inmates who are awaiting trial or have been sentenced to less than a year in prison. A penitentiary, also known as a correctional institution, is run by the state and houses inmates who have been convicted of more serious crimes. In addition to having different governing bodies, jails typically offer fewer services and amenities than penitentiaries.
