tim's journal

Jail, prison and penitentiary

Sweetie asked me what the difference was between "jail", "prison" and "penitentiary". Of course, I just had to find out, even though I should really be sleeping right now so that I can do good work tomorrow and have a cheerful attitude. Well, here it is, courtesy of Jim Ferr.

a "jail" is for incarceration of prisoners while awaiting trial, or after sentencing on misdemeanors (less serious offenses) even if the combined sentence on more than one misdemeanor is over a year. A "prison" is for incarceration for the conviction of a felony. A "felony" is a crime punishable by imprisonment for over a year. A "penitentiary" is a "federal prison" for sentencing by a federal magistrate (Judge or acting Judge) for a period of time over a year.