Many of us may do not know the actual differences between federal prison and state prison. It is very confusing to separate these prisons. Many people may have told you, those who have been to these prisons, that there are some differences, but still, it can be confusing. You can even ask what prison is like?
So, here are the key differences between state prison and federal prison.
- The first difference is that the federal prison system is where the criminals are put when they commit federal crimes or violate federal law. These kinds of crimes involve crimes against government or state, institutions, agents, etc.; criminal related to fraud, money laundering, etc., are sent to this prison. In contrast, criminals go to state prison who areaccused of violating state law. These criminals are charged with doing crimes in a single state, and state police usually look after them. Examples of such crimes are rape, killing someone or murder, gun-related offenses, etc.
- The state authorities look after the state prison. On the other hand, the Federal Bureau of Prison, which is the federal law enforcement agency under the department of justice, looks after the federal prison system.
- Another difference can bethat the federal government provides money to the federal prison. Thus, they have a biggerbudget. That’s why these prisons or jails have better facilities, services, food, training programs, etc. Whilethe state prison runs on the tax collected from the state, or we can say from us. Hence, it is easy to understand that these prisons do not have such excellent facilities from any aspect. This is why they have insufficient rehabilitation programs for criminals.
- You will find very few federal prisons; there are around 122 federal prisons. But if we check the number of state prisons, these are a lot in number, which is around 1719.
- Another basis of difference can be the movement of the prisoner. The criminals of the federal prisons are sent to any federal prisons around the country. Whereas the criminals of the state prisons are not sent anywhere; they live in the prison where they were put in the first place according to the punishment or sentence they get by the law.
- The essential basis of difference and the one very easy to remember is the punishment or the sentence awarded to the criminal by the law is longer than the state prison. The minimum sentence or sentence has a more extended period than the state prison’s sentence. But if the crime of a criminal of the state prison is grave, then, in that case, the penalty or the punishment may carry a more extended period. In some cases, criminals will be hanged to death on the order of the law.
- The federal prison system security is much better, or we can say much secure, unlike the state prison. This is because the federal prison gets more money or funds than the state prison.