The legislation is defined as a statewide mechanism through which funds are granted to local units of government to plan, develop, and deliver correctional sanctions and services at the local level, with the provision of local sentencing options in lieu of imprisonment in State institutions. The context in which community corrections legislation is most often considered and debated is sketched. Several States that have community corrections legislation are examined indepth. The essential elements of such legislation are highlighted. These same States are examined to see how well they have achieved their goals thus far and what results were either unintended or unforseen. What community corrections legislation can and cannot accomplish is addressed. A guide to drafting and implementing these laws and to avoiding pitfalls is provided. Presented in the appendix is a policy statement on community corrections.