What’s the Difference Between Jail and Prison?

Jail and prison aren’t interchangeable—and for people like me, the difference hits close to home. My father spent years in and out of jail, never fully held accountable for the harm he caused. Understanding how the system works—and where it fails—is what fuels my passion for justice and my dream of becoming a prosecutor. This post breaks down the real distinctions between jail and prison, the myths people believe, and why it matters more than most realize.