Prisons in the United States: A Reference Handbook

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science, Crimes & Criminals, Criminology
Cover of the book Prisons in the United States: A Reference Handbook by Cyndi Banks, ABC-CLIO
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Cyndi Banks ISBN: 9781440844386
Publisher: ABC-CLIO Publication: March 27, 2017
Imprint: ABC-CLIO Language: English
Author: Cyndi Banks
ISBN: 9781440844386
Publisher: ABC-CLIO
Publication: March 27, 2017
Imprint: ABC-CLIO
Language: English

Prisons were initially created as a means of reforming offenders, but over time, the objective of rehabilitation gave way to a strategy of mass imprisonment—a system that has resulted in correctional facilities dealing with serious problems such as overcrowding, prison gangs, pervasive violence, and a significant incidence of mental illness among inmates. Prisons in the United States: A Reference Handbook examines the history of corrections in America, detailing how well-intentioned policies intended to "get tough on crime" sanctioned the dismantling of parole systems and resulted in laws that imposed mandatory minimum sentences. These changes contributed to the United States now having the biggest incarcerated population worldwide and the highest rate of incarceration.

The book offers an accessible history of the development of the prison system in the United States and analyzes the various problems and controversies associated with prisons in the present day. The coverage includes key related issues, including those of race and gender, and enables readers to understand how past developments continue to affect public and official perceptions of the prison experience—for example, how the practice of keeping inmates in solitary confinement for lengthy periods has been reinvented and represents a return to a historically discredited practice. Accounts of former inmates and of correctional officers are integrated into the text, adding context and offering rarely heard perspectives on difficult issues affecting prisons.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Prisons were initially created as a means of reforming offenders, but over time, the objective of rehabilitation gave way to a strategy of mass imprisonment—a system that has resulted in correctional facilities dealing with serious problems such as overcrowding, prison gangs, pervasive violence, and a significant incidence of mental illness among inmates. Prisons in the United States: A Reference Handbook examines the history of corrections in America, detailing how well-intentioned policies intended to "get tough on crime" sanctioned the dismantling of parole systems and resulted in laws that imposed mandatory minimum sentences. These changes contributed to the United States now having the biggest incarcerated population worldwide and the highest rate of incarceration.

The book offers an accessible history of the development of the prison system in the United States and analyzes the various problems and controversies associated with prisons in the present day. The coverage includes key related issues, including those of race and gender, and enables readers to understand how past developments continue to affect public and official perceptions of the prison experience—for example, how the practice of keeping inmates in solitary confinement for lengthy periods has been reinvented and represents a return to a historically discredited practice. Accounts of former inmates and of correctional officers are integrated into the text, adding context and offering rarely heard perspectives on difficult issues affecting prisons.

More books from ABC-CLIO

Cover of the book Do the Crime, Do the Time: Juvenile Criminals and Adult Justice in the American Court System by Cyndi Banks
Cover of the book The Crusades to the Holy Land: The Essential Reference Guide by Cyndi Banks
Cover of the book The Republican Party: Documents Decoded by Cyndi Banks
Cover of the book The Search for Survival: Lessons from Disruptive Technologies by Cyndi Banks
Cover of the book Winning at Following: Secrets to Success in Supporting Roles by Cyndi Banks
Cover of the book African American Women's Life Issues Today: Vital Health and Social Matters by Cyndi Banks
Cover of the book Social Media: A Reference Handbook by Cyndi Banks
Cover of the book Antarctica: The Battle for the Seventh Continent by Cyndi Banks
Cover of the book Culture and Customs of Gambia by Cyndi Banks
Cover of the book A History of Counterinsurgency [2 volumes] by Cyndi Banks
Cover of the book The Emergence of the Urban Entrepreneur: How the Growth of Cities and the Sharing Economy Are Driving a New Breed of Innovators by Cyndi Banks
Cover of the book Gender, Race, and Ethnicity in the Workplace: Emerging Issues and Enduring Challenges by Cyndi Banks
Cover of the book Pachamama Tales: Folklore from Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Paraguay, Peru, and Uruguay by Cyndi Banks
Cover of the book Virtual Lives: A Reference Handbook by Cyndi Banks
Cover of the book Stop Global Street Harassment: Growing Activism around the World by Cyndi Banks
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy