Community service by offenders was carefully argued and tested before it was put into practice, but since then change has been rapid and almost continuous. First, there was expansion nationwide, then the practice was introduced for juveniles, and next came the statutory requirements of National Standards. In parallel, corrections professionals, policymakers, legislators, and scholars considered: the kinds of work offered, the balance between individual placements and work undertaken in a group, and ways in which the whole experience could best be used to prevent reoffending. The article describes the Commons debates; the aims and organization of several pilot projects; early experiences; community service and juvenile offenders; and community service and fine default. References