The first section describes the theoretical and historical context from which the present correctional system has evolved. It explores how society has regarded crime throughout the ages and how punishments for crimes have varied. The second section explains the sentencing alternatives currently available, ranging from probation to capital punishment. It also explains sanctions between these extremes, including intermediate sanctions and incarceration. The third section focuses on the human factor in corrections. Individual chapters focus on the characteristics and cultures of adult and juvenile offenders, offenders in community corrections, the programming and treatment needs of juvenile offenders, and issues related to special-needs offenders such as elderly offenders and mentally ill offenders. Additional chapters in this section examine the structure and functions of corrections management, management techniques, accreditation, custodial and security personnel, treatment personnel, support personnel, and volunteers. The fourth section includes chapters on the challenges resulting from inmate gangs, riots, hostages, contraband, crowding, and other issues; on prisoners’ rights and inmate lawsuits; and on the implications of current corrections trends and corrections policies for the future of corrections. Figures, tables, photographs, lists of main terms for each chapter, chapter discussion questions, glossary, author and subject indexes, and chapter reference lists