Overview

Through a collection of carefully curated readings, The Law Behind the Wall: An American Corrections Anthology offers a critical exploration of the United States correctional system. It traces the history, philosophy, and structure of American corrections, examining the operation of jails and prisons, community supervision, juvenile detention, death row, and more. The anthology also illuminates theories of punishment and the social and ethical implications of correctional practice. Bringing together diverse perspectives, the volume investigates the relationship between individual behavior and broader societal forces within the realm of corrections. Its selections address key themes such as mental and physical health challenges in confinement, equity in treatment for underrepresented groups, evaluation of prison education programs, and the enduring tension between punishment and justice. Each section includes learning objectives, discussion questions, and written assignments to support both student learning and faculty instruction. Designed to move beyond surface-level understanding, the anthology encourages thoughtful engagement with the complexities and contradictions of modern corrections. The Law Behind the Wall is ideally suited for undergraduate courses in corrections, criminal justice, and criminology. It deepens students' comprehension of correctional philosophy, inmate experiences, and special populations within the correctional system, offering a comprehensive and pedagogically structured overview of the field.

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Nikolas C. Roberts, Ph.D. is an associate professor of criminology and conflict resolution at Pennsylvania Western University. Prior to his academic appointment, he was employed with the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections, focusing on inmate education, re-entry training, and solitary confinement policy. An honorably discharged veteran of the Army National Guard, he divides his time between Pittsburgh and his family's farm in Greene County, Pennsylvania.

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