As of mid-2004, American prisons and jails housed 2.1 million inmates, or one out of every 138 people in the United States. When these prisoners are released, the majority will be arrested for a felony or serious misdemeanor within three years. Clearly, the prison system fails to rehabilitate many offenders. But of the various methods proposed for rehabilitation, which have proved most successful, and which treatments look most promising for the future? This discussion of the treatment of criminal offenders explores the various trends in public opinion that influence crime prevention efforts, create public policy and reform criminal law. The work discusses three core issues in the study of punishment: the role of free will and determination; the search for the root cause or causes of crime; and the effects of studying crimes versus studying criminals. It provides a brief history of the American prison, highlighting the continuous debate regarding the rehabilitation and punishment of criminals. Additional topics include the history of biologically and psychologically based treatments; the principles of effective intervention; and what lies ahead in the 21st century.

For centuries scholars have studied the possible causes of criminal behavior in the hopes of shedding light on one of society's most persistent problems. This volume examines criminology from the perspective of those centuries of study. Written by a psychologist who has worked extensively with the criminal population, it focuses on the diverse theories that have been offered and the ways in which they contribute to the modern view of the criminal. The correlates of crime such as age, gender, race and IQ are discussed along with more random factors such as choice and chance. Theories of biology, psychology and sociology are all discussed. Criminological sources from the 18th century through the end of the 20th are cited and major developments noted. Finally, a brief preview of 21st century criminology considers how the lessons of the past might be adapted and drawn upon for future discoveries.