This topic includes three official debate propositions: (1) that the Federal Government should adopt a nationwide policy to decrease jail and prison overcrowding; (2) that it should enact a nationwide policy to decrease violence in prison and jails; and (3) that it should expand rehabilitation programs for convicted criminals. The documents included in this volume were selected to provide background information, an overview of the principle issues, and a balance of opposing views and opinions reflected in the current literature on these issues. Materials are arranged according to the three debate propositions and include statistical data, U.S. Department of Justice and other Government reports, testimony and prepared statements from congressional hearings, and excerpts from books. A research guide is included that consists of an annotated bibliography, a guide to information sources, and a listing of relevant publications available from the Government Printing Office. Document tables, figures, notes, and references.