What was the original purpose of the English jail, as conceived by King Henry II?

a. To confine offenders awaiting execution

b. To house offenders awaiting transfer to prison

c. To house suspects awaiting trial

d. To punish individuals convicted of crimes

c. To house suspects awaiting trial

Explanation:

King Henry II established jails in the 12th century during his reign for the primary purpose of housing suspects awaiting trial. People who were already convicted of crimes but awaiting punishment were also kept in jails before their fate as decided. The King put in place a county Sheriff who oversaw the collection of rent for the King and also had a say on people who who went to jail. This was among the early forms of jails established.

Today, the current jails have the same model with the first jails, albeit with several other functions. People who commit crimes are kept in jails, those awaiting trials, parole and probation violators, are also kept in jails.