The first section, "Philosophy and Overview of Corrections," consists of four chapters. The first chapter provides an overview of the United States' correctional system, followed by three chapters that discuss the social response to crime, the development of imprisonment as a form of punishment, and classification and correctional programs in the modern prison. Section 2, "The Corrections Process," is composed of three chapters. They focus on the pretrial process (bail and jail), sentencing, and release from prison. Section 3, "The Correctional Client," has four chapters that address the male inmate, the female inmate, the juvenile offender, and probation. Section 4, "Alternatives to Prison," has two chapters that discuss community corrections and intermediate sanctions, as well as inmates' legal rights. The final chapter explores the decline of an emphasis on the rehabilitative ideal as corrections enters the 21st century, as corrections policymakers return to a punishment philosophy of retribution. This chapter also explores various perspectives on the future of corrections, including the aging of the inmate population. The chapter concludes with an examination of current correctional trends and their impact on the future of corrections. The author recommends the retention of treatment opportunities for offenders even under a policy of "just deserts;" education of the public about the cost-effectiveness of community-based corrections; research on and evaluation of all attempted programs and reforms; an emphasis on diversion from the criminal justice system, especially for juveniles; and law and social sciences working together in the area of corrections. Chapter tables, illustrations, and notes; and case, name, and general indexes