This chapter notes that the subsequent chapters, which focus on the correctional systems of specific countries, show that although various countries have correctional policies and practices in common, there is little evidence of compliance with international standards, such as the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners. The chapter identifies and briefly explains the three broad ideologies that apply to correctional practices: punishment, treatment, and prevention. This is followed by a discussion of why it is important to compare correctional systems and practices. Some reasons given are the identification of common problems, profiting from how other countries have addressed specific correctional issues, and awareness of the influence of cultural values and conditioning on correctional philosophies and practices. The chapter concludes with an outline of the United Nations Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, so the reader of this anthology can reflect on the extent to which the correctional policies and practices of the countries portrayed comply with these standards. Among the standards mentioned are nondiscrimination, the maintenance of inmate records, inmate classification, separate cells for each inmate, adequate food and health services, exercise, and humane treatment. 26 references and discussion questions