Prison is the secure building in which prisoners are held in captivity, excluded from the rest of society. A judge, who sentences them to prison for a period that’s in accordance with the crime they committed, predetermines the period of time they spend in the correctional facility.
Life in prison has a reputation for being difficult, and that's why people obey the law. Women and men are kept in separate prisons, to avoid further conflicts.
San Diego, San Francisco and Orange County house some of the most famous jails in North America. Alcatraz Prison, now closed, is probably the most well known of all the detention centers. While it was still operational, it had a reputation of being impossible to escape from. Public records, and jail records alike show that notorious mobster Al Capone spent time in this prison, although it's not known in which cell. Prison tours of Alcatraz are currently available, and remain one of San Francisco's main tourist attractions.
When celebrities get sent to prison, it becomes a major news story. Martha Stewart recently spent some time in jail, as did Robert Downey Junior. Additionally, Paris Hilton is scheduled to spend time in prison.