The first section of the handbook overviews the crisis in prisons by considering economic aspects of the prison system, the role of prisons in a capitalist society, the criminalization of poverty, and prison conditions. The second section views AIDS in prison as a public health crisis and emphasizes the importance of appropriate medical treatment for inmates who have AIDS. The third section looks at women in prison by considering prison conditions faced by female inmates, battered women, and social control. The fourth section argues against the death penalty, the fifth section discusses political prisoners and prisoners of war, and the sixth section notes that control unit prisons are unfortunately increasing. Appendixes contain suggestions for correctional reform, examples of recent prison-related activism, and a resource guide.