The book highlights the most critical prison problems in contemporary society, from overcrowding to operational costs. In addition, the book addresses controversial sentencing issues, including three-strikes legislation and units for special populations such as inmates with AIDS and the criminally insane; it also reviews penal trends, programs, and services. The first chapter outlines the origins and evolution of U.S. prisons and the philosophies behind them, and also discusses prisons today in terms of goals, size, costs, and critical administrative problems. The second chapter summarizes opposing views on the most controversial issues associated with current prison policies. The third chapter presents a chronology of major events and turning points in U.S. prison history, while the fourth chapter provides biographical information on key figures in the evolution of prisons. Documents excerpted in the fifth chapter include the U.S. Constitution, court cases involving prisoner rights, and other writings that have had an impact on the regulation of prisons over time. The last three chapters are essential resources for readers and include a directory or professional organizations and agencies and lists of print and nonprint resources. Notes, tables, and figures