The first part reviews the historical development of corrections and presents philosophies toward the handling of those who fall outside accepted behavior norms. Chapters cover the early history of corrections from 2000 B.C. to the present. The second part focuses on the criminal justice process from crime to conviction and on the court process (sentencing and appeals). The third part considers alternatives to imprisonment, with emphasis on jails and detention facilities, probation, and intermediate sanctions. The fourth part looks at correctional systems, to include imprisonment, state and local prison systems, the federal system, and private sector systems. The next four parts discuss the functions of corrections, institutional clients (female and male offenders, juvenile offenders, and special category offenders), the rights of institutional clients, and offender reintegration systems (parole and community corrections). The final part examines the future of corrections. An appendix provides a list of resources for those interested in pursuing a career in the field of corrections. Endnotes, tables, figures, and photographs