There have been a lot of misinterpretations between jails and prisons, and many people particularly the civilians’ use these two terms interchangeably, not knowing that they are two different institutions. This assignment therefore will try to explain the difference between jails and prisons. It is important to note beforehand that these two institutions are differentiated from each other by various aspects such as their types, their sizes, funders and also the roles that they play in the society in an attempt to maintain law and order. It is therefore important to start with discreet definitions which will explain the differences between these two institutions.
Jurisdiction and the exercisers of law are yet another distinguishable difference between jails and prisons. It is important to note that jails are normally use for local jurisdiction and trying out local people in cities, towns, counties etc. at the same time, these institutions only confine offenders who have been sentenced for short periods of time, normally seven years or less. Prisons on the other hand confine criminals sentenced for loner periods of time. At the same time, they can try and confine international criminals, normally sentenced for long periods of time, mainly over ten years up to life imprisonment. It is also important to note that jails hold offenders while prisons normally hold criminals. Security is also different within these two institutions. In the United States for examples, people in jails can access various services such as bathrooms, face less supervision, are provided with food and water and at the same time they can socialize with one another in social and places.
Prisons on the other hand are more restrictive especially based on the fact that they hold international criminals and serious offenders’ responsible fro serious crimes such as murder, political accusations and robbery with violence. For this reason therefore, they are held with serious security and their movements are limited and closely monitored (Garrett & Carlson, 2005, p. 144).
Lastly, administration of these institutions is yet another differentiating factor between the two. Jails, being locally administered, are consequently maintained (for example through funding and provisions) by the local government, and these include the counties and the councils-municipal councils, city councils etc. A lot of caution however is taken with the prisons, since they hold many more criminals and population than the jails and also hold more serious criminals. For this reason therefore, they are funded and monitored by the central government in which country they are situated. On the other hand, international community such as the United Nations Organization may be involved in monitoring some of these prisons, such as the Guantanamo Bay International Prison which holds international political prisons from all over the world.
REFERENCES
Garrett, J. & Carlson, P. (2005). Prison and Jail Administration: Practice & Theory. 2nd ed. Sudbury, Massachusetts: Jones and Bartlett Publishers.
