The report is the first to be generated by Canada's Correctional Effectiveness Project, designed to improve the potential effectiveness of correctional agencies in Canada. Current criminal sanctions resulted from a reaction to the use of harsh penal measures such as corporal and capital punishment as well as a growing acceptance of utilitarian ideas within western culture. The use of imprisonment and probation, which take place over extended periods of time, led to the development of correctional bureaucracies which have had little guidance regarding the courses of action to take to ensure the fulfillment of the goals of the sentences of the courts. Correctional officials have also faced growing constraints resulting from societal concerns for justice, humaneness, and utility. Recognition of these influences as well as of offenders' rights has led to the conclusion that corrections should be held accountable for some combination of punishment, offender welfare, nonpunitive crime control, and rehabilitation. Each of these objectives is analyzed in terms of its definition, supporting rationale, evaluation criteria, policy considerations, and research considerations. The logical implications of choosing various options are also summarized. About 150 references are listed.