What is the difference between a federal prison and a state prison?

A federal prison is a prison run by the US government for persons who have committed crimes outlawed by Congress, for example robbing a nationally chartered bank. A state prison is run by the state for crimes outlawed in that state. Some prisons are actually run by private companies that contract with the state. Both federal and state prisons have different levels for people convicted of different things, ie, maximum, medium and minimum security and which you are sent to is determined by how dangerous they think you are. Generally, at the same level of security, the federal prison is probably somewhat safer because they usually aren't as crowded and the staff is better paid and may be better trained but that isn't a hard and fast rule.  more