This collection of thoughtful and critical readings on the major issues facing corrections today offers a perspective for analyzing the social context within which current American punishment philosophy and practice take place. Each chapter deals with a major topic, policy, or strategy that is currently generating debate in the correctional field, and varying points of view reflect the diversity of thought on each critical issue. The author of each chapter provides factual information and data on an issue or topic and then invites students to step back and critically examine the impact of the correctional problem on the system or society.