Corrections in America: An Introduction, 16th edition

Published by Pearson (June 5, 2024) © 2025

  • Harry E. Allen San Jose State University
  • Edward J. Latessa University of Cincinnati
  • Bruce S. Ponder San Jose State University
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Buy nowOpens in a new tab

In this eTextbook — More ways to learn

  • More flexible. Start learning right away, on any device.
  • More supportive. Get AI explanations and practice questions (select titles).
  • More interactive. Bring learning to life with audio, videos, and diagrams.
  • More memorable. Make concepts stick with highlights, search, notes, and flashcards.
  • More understandable. Translate text into 100+ languages with one tap.
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monthly payments or
pay undefined one-time
Instant access

In this eTextbook — More ways to learn

  • More flexible. Start learning right away, on any device.
  • More supportive. Get AI explanations and practice questions (select titles).
  • More interactive. Bring learning to life with audio, videos, and diagrams.
  • More memorable. Make concepts stick with highlights, search, notes, and flashcards.
  • More understandable. Translate text into 100+ languages with one tap.

Title overview

A curriculum staple for over 40 years, Corrections in America has prepared thousands of students for criminal justice careers. It covers nearly all aspects of Corrections, from history, ideologies and legal issues to prisons and correctional clients. The authors combine research, theory and practice with real examples to offer a strong foundation of field knowledge.

The text provides in-depth topical coverage through features such as Policy Positions, Correctional Practices and Correctional Profiles. Application case studies will help you consider how you might respond in given situations, while discussion questions offer stimulating topics for debate.

Extensively updated, the 16th Edition contains updates to half the research and three-quarters of the figures, pointing to significant developments in the field over the past five years. Additionally, it has been rewritten to focus on the people of Corrections and to ensure content is broadly inclusive.

Table of contents

PART 1: HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVES

  1. Early History (2000 B.C. to A.D. 1800)
  2. Prisons (1800 to the Present)
  3. Correctional Ideologies: The Pendulum Swings
  4. The Sentencing and Appeals Process

PART 2: ALTERNATIVES TO IMPRISONMENT

  1. Probation
  2. Diversion and Community Alternatives

PART 3: INSTITUTIONAL CORRECTIONS

  1. Custody Functions
  2. Security Threat Groups and Prison Gangs
  3. Management and Treatment Functions
  4. Jails and Detention Facilities
  5. Prison Systems
  6. Private-Sector Systems
  7. The Death Penalty
  8. Parole and Reentry

PART 4: PEOPLE IN THE CORRECTIONS SYSTEM

  1. Appeals and the Rights of Those Incarcerated
  2. Males in the Criminal Justice System
  3. Women in the Criminal Justice System
  4. Juveniles in Corrections
  5. Special-Category Populations

Appendix: Careers in Corrections

Glossary

Author index

Subject index

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