Legal Definitions - jailhouse

JAILHOUSE

A jailhouse is a place where people who are waiting for trial or have been convicted of minor crimes are kept by the local government.

It is also known as a gaol, holding cell, lockup, house of detention, or community correctional center. It is different from a prison.

• John was arrested for shoplifting and was taken to the jailhouse.
• The police officer put the drunk driver in the jailhouse overnight.

These examples illustrate how people who have committed minor crimes are taken to the jailhouse to await trial or serve their sentence. The jailhouse is a temporary place of confinement for those who have committed minor offenses.