Myths give the appearance of rationality to policymaking, but, in fact, they help to entrench bureaucracies. Four myths that feed corrections policy are identified and discussed. The first myth is that prisons rehabilitate offenders. The second myth is that prisons guarantee the protection of society from criminals. The third myth is that the development of the prisoners' rights movement has contributed to prison inefficiency and reduced prison discipline. The fourth myth is that privatization of corrections is inefficient and ineffective. The myths do little to address the economic and political problems of society and are irrelevant to the business of developing corrections policy. Corrections policies must be built on constructive and realistic assessments. 38 references. (Author abstract modified)