What is the primary use of jail in the criminal justice system?

The primary use of jail in the criminal justice system is to hold individuals awaiting trial or serving short sentences for minor offenses. Jails are typically designed for short-term confinement, serving as facilities for individuals who have been arrested and are awaiting a court hearing or those who have been convicted of minor crimes and sentenced to short stays. This temporary nature differentiates jails from prisons, which are intended for long-term incarceration of individuals convicted of more serious crimes.

Individuals in jail may also include those who cannot afford bail while awaiting trial, highlighting the role of jails in the pre-trial process. By holding these individuals, jails play a crucial role in ensuring that defendants are present for court proceedings without imposing lengthy incarceration periods before their trial outcomes. This approach maintains the principle of 'innocent until proven guilty' and helps manage individuals who pose a minimal risk to public safety. The emphasis on short-term detention aligns directly with the operational purpose of jails within the broader criminal justice system.