The first part reviews the history of prisoner handling and correctional institutions. The second part examines law and the correctional process (misdemeanors and felonies, sentencing, and appellate review). The third part deals with the correctional process (probation, imprisonment, and parole), while the fourth part focuses on the rights of convicted criminals. The fifth part discusses offenders, including adult offenders, juvenile offenders, and special category offenders (mentally disordered, developmentally disabled, and sex offenders). The sixth part examines correctional administration (management, organization, custody, and treatment), and the seventh part reviews correctional systems (jails and detention facilities, State prison systems, the Federal correctional system, and community corrections). The final part addresses correctional issues and policy options for the 1980's. Appendixes contain a glossary and a list of national corrections policies ratified by the American Correctional Association. References, tables, and illustrations.