NCJ Number
190210
Date Published
2001
Length
533 pages
Annotation
This book outlines the history of punishment and the penal institution in the United States.
Abstract
The essays in this book represent a sampling of some important works in corrections, both past and current. Part I examines the history of punishment and the origins of imprisonment. Chapters include essays on the discovery of the asylum, women and prisons, and assessing the penal harm movement. Part II deals with living in prison, addressing such issues as the prison community, prisons in turmoil, and responding to female prisoners’ needs. In Part III, the discussion centers on working in prison, with essays on correctional officers; prison wardens; corrections-based education, vocation, and work programs; and prison privatization. Prison litigation and inmates’ rights are highlighted in Part IV. Chapter topics include historical views of prisoners’ rights, constitutional issues regarding “three strikes and you’re out” legislation, and the impact of the prisoners’ rights movement. Part V, regarding institutional programming and treatment, presents essays on prison reform, substance abuse, sexual offender recidivism, and identifying and treating the mentally disordered prison inmates. Part VI regards release from prison and parole with essays on the history of the Federal parole system, parole supervision, residential community correctional programs, and work release. Part VII is called New Directions and focuses on America’s obsession with “getting tough” with offenders. Topics of the essays include political sentencing, the consequences of isolation, modern-day execution, and public support for correctional treatment.