A '''jail''' is a correctional institution used to detain persons who are in the lawful custody of the government. A jail is distinguished from a [[prison]] in that jails are customarily for the detention of those either awaiting trial or serving sentences of less than one year. However, in common use, jail is often employed as a [[synonym]] for prison. | A '''jail''' is a correctional institution used to detain persons who are in the lawful custody of the government. A jail is distinguished from a [[prison]] in that jails are customarily for the detention of those either awaiting trial or serving sentences of less than one year. However, in common use, jail is often employed as a [[synonym]] for prison. |