What is the definition of a prison?

The definition of a prison is best represented by the choice describing it as a place of confinement for individuals who have been convicted of serious crimes, typically managed by State or Federal government authorities. Prisons are designed for long-term incarceration and hold individuals serving sentences for offenses deemed significant enough to warrant such confinement, reflecting the seriousness of their crimes.

Prisons are distinguished from other facilities such as jails, which serve as temporary holding spaces for individuals awaiting trial or sentencing. Additionally, a prison's primary purpose is not rehabilitation or community service, nor is it a living arrangement for correctional officers. Instead, it focuses on the punishment, detention, and correction of those who have violated criminal laws, ensuring public safety and adherence to legal sentencing.