Jail, Prison, and Punishment

There are a variety of suitable textbooks available for introductory level courses on corrections, but these books are often limited to describing correctional systems. Jail, Prison, and Punishment goes beyond merely describing correctional systems to investigate the "why" of the correctional process. In addition to instructing, this text promotes thinking and discussion on several major issues relating to the philosophy, operation and rationale for correctional systems. It explores some of the key political, social, and societal problems and processes which influence the correctional process. It also provides an in-depth exploration of the correctional process as seen by a seasoned practitioner, researcher and educator. This text is ideal for students who wish to learn more about the field of corrections, new and seasoned corrections practitioners, or anyone considering a career in corrections.

Selections used in Jail, Prison, and Punishment are organized into sixteen topical chapters, each including an introduction by the editor. Topics include:

- History of Corrections
- Prison Authority and Prison Culture
- Juveniles in Jails and Prisons
- Changes in Prisoner Profiles
- Probation
- Parole
- International Corrections
- Treatment

Dr. Arnett Gaston began his career in corrections in 1960 with the New York City Department of Corrections. During his tenure there he held a variety of positions, including Correction Officer, Warden, First Deputy Commissioner and Commanding Officer of Rikers Island, arguably the largest single detention complex in the free world. Dr. Gaston retired after almost 38 years as a practitioner and is currently on faculty at the Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice at the University of Maryland. Dr. Gaston also served as an international consultant, and as Visiting Fellow with the National Institute of Justice. He has earned five university degrees, including two Master's Degrees and a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology.