Prisons in America A Reference Handbook Author:Nicole Hahn Rafter, Debra Stanley "Prisons in America: A Reference Handbook presents an overview of the prison system since colonial times with a special focus on the ongoing debate over rehabilitation versus punishment; biographies of key figures in American penology; a chronology of notable events in penal history; current data on sentencing, prison system growth, and prisoner... more » characteristics; information on prisoners' rights, famous legal cases, and policy changes; a directory of professional organizations and agencies; and lists of print and nonprint resources. The book highlights the most critical prison problems today, from overcrowding to operational costs; controversial sentencing issues including three-strikes legislation and units for special populations such as inmates with AIDS and the criminally insane; and new penal trends, programs, and services."--BOOK JACKET.« less