Prison/Jail

[Everhelpful]

What's the difference between Prison and Jail? Thanks for any replies.

[sn�gs]

Primarily, the difference is that a jail is used by local jurisdictions such as counties and cities to confine people for short periods of time. A prison, or penitentiary, is administered by the state, and is used to house convicted criminals for periods of much longer duration.

[Everhelpful]

Thank you,snags.

[logic]

F F S Sn�gs i never knew you could be serious.

[sn�gs]

Make the most of it... it won't last long....

[Postdog]

Better food in jail too.....

[logic]

lol :-)

[sn�gs]

I didn't forget steve... I didn't know!

[sophie_1003]

I didn't realise there was a difference! Is the term penetentiary commonly used in the UK or is it more of an American thing, just ask because I once found myself i the "delightful" company of a lad who kept going on about when he was in the 'pen' made me want to scream "We're NOT in America, your NOT a gangster, get over yourself!!" but maybe that term is used here too and I just hadn't heard it before?

[carrot99]

maybe as he was young he was remembering his time in his play-pen!!

[carrot99]

n.b did he say anything about being surrounded by `mothers' - I rest my case!