What is the difference between Jail and Prison?

In Minnesota:

Jails are correctional facilities run by counties - usually inmates serve up to one year there.

Prisons are run by the state or federal government. Anyone serving sentences of a year and a day or more, go to prison.

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To most people the two terms would be synomomous. But I believe Jail is a word used to describe a short incarceration term and temporary while Prison denotes a place for post-sentencing incarceration, usually to finish the sentence.

Prison inmates have been tried and convicted of crimes, while those in jail may be awaiting trial. A prison is under the jurisdiction of either federal or state, while the jail holds people accused under federal, state, county and/or city laws. A jail holds inmates from two days to a year. A prison usually longer.

The first poster got it right.

Sentences of less than one year are served in County Jail. Sentences of one year or more are served in a State or Federally run prison. (State Courts send folks to State Prison, Federal Courts send folks to Federal Prison)

Jail is county or city operated while prisons are usually state or federal owned and operated

I'm not real sure for Australia i dont think we seperate the two

we call them prison or jail

you hear of people going to prison for 6 months don't we??

but i have no real proof of that sorry!

Bobby D is correct - jails are usually run by counties, prisons are run by the federal or state governments.

Jail is the holding cell. Less than one year sentences like misdemeanours. Prison is for felony charges 1 year plus.

jail is often refferd to as holding it is where they hold people who have not been found guilty of a crime, or are held for a short period of time to sober up. Prison is where a convicted person goes once they have been found guilty.