Contemporary in look and feel, this leading text in corrections for over the past quarter of a century continues to explore the cutting edge of the field. It focuses on how today's correctional subsystems function within the larger criminal justice system, and introduces students to the vast field of corrections and its impact on contemporary society. Addressing more topics in more detail than other texts of its kind, it covers everything from historical precedents to the very latest programs and practices—carefully balancing current and past research, grand and applied theory, and practical and predictive examples and issues. Its clarity and well-designed learning features continue to make it a favorite with students, and its superior organization and pedagogical tools makes it easy for instructors to adapt to any type of course.