Correctional Theory

This accessible book identifies and evaluates the major competing theories used to guide the goals, policies, and practices of the correctional system. The authors demonstrate that changes in theories can legitimize changing ways of treating and punishing offenders, and they help readers understand how changes in the social and political context of U.S. society influence correctional theory and policy. Designed to motivate readers to become sophisticated consumers of correctional information, the book emphasizes the importance of using evidence-based information to guide decisions rather than relying on nonscientific commonsense or ideology-based beliefs.

Key Features

-Three underlying themes (theories matter, context matters, and evidence matters) are used throughout the book to examine the correctional system's goals, policies, and practices-now and in the future.

-The authors explore alternative visions of corrections that differ from the punitive orientation of the past 20 years, especially the theory of rehabilitation.

-Readers are encouraged to become evidence-based thinkers and to develop their own theory of corrections to guide them as citizens, policymakers, and practitioners.

-The book's final chapter examines possible future imporvements in correctional policies and practices.