The study focuses on the evolution of a psychological practice in the applied correctional context and to the emergence of a thematic/generic model of the role of the correctional psychologist. A brief review of the historical antecedents of modern correctional philosophy stresses the role played by the introduction of confinement as punishment for criminal behavior and to the establishment of penal institutions in order to carry out such punishment. The report discusses the history of correctional psychology, as well as the role of correctional psychologists in applied settings in North America, focusing first on the U.S. and then on Canada. In the modern era, a thematic role for psychologists has been developed, consisting of the basic activities of assessment and diagnosis, counseling and treatment, consultation, training, and research. 1 table and 149 references