American Corrections (with CD-ROM and InfoTrac) [Hardcover]

Todd R. Clear (Author), George F. Cole (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 8, 2002 | ISBN-10: 0534595170 | ISBN-13: 978-0534595173 | Edition: 6

Todd R. Clear, one of the country's leading experts in the study of corrections, and George F. Cole, considered by many as the "founding father" of modern criminal justice study, have combined talents once again for the new Sixth Edition of their market-leading AMERICAN CORRECTIONS. A great author team, Clear's expertise in corrections complements Cole's organizational view of the system. Together, they present a well-rounded, balanced approach to corrections. Clear and Cole takes a sociological and humanistic approach to corrections. It treats institutional and alternative sanctions in a balanced fashion and offers a look at the system from the perspective of both the corrections worker and the offender. It also presents the concept of corrections as a "system" of interconnected organizations and carries this theme throughout the book. While this approach appeals to both sociologists and criminal justice types alike, it is particularly appealing to a growing portion of the market: the professors with sociological backgrounds who are now teaching the introduction to corrections course. From a more practical standpoint, many find this text appealing because it provides comprehensive, thorough coverage without being overwhelming. At 22 chapters and 560 pages, it is very compatible with standard, semester-long courses. Such effective compatibility continues in the Sixth Edition with a new visually engaging four-color interior design.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"I would describe this as the best, most comprehensive, up-to-date, student friendly text in corrections available."

"I adopted American Corrections because it is comprehensive, critical, colorful and contemporary. I am satisfied because of its coverage which helps me to provide students with the overview they need in a required class."

"I believe the book is one of the best books on the market to date. The book is insightful and does an excellent job of bringing the reader into the multifaceted world of corrections. The chapters on prison and prison culture are particularly interesting and highlight the complex nature of prison life." --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author

Todd R. Clear is Distinguished Professor of Criminal Justice at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, The City University of New York. He has conducted extensive research on a range of topics in corrections, including sentencing policy, probation and parole supervision, institutional programs, corrections administration, and community justice. He has received awards from the American Probation and Parole Association, the International Association of Community Corrections, and the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges for his work. During 2001 he was President of the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences and Vice President of the American Society of Criminology. Among his books are: CONTROLLING THE OFFENDER IN THE COMMUNITY (with V. O'Leary), HARM IN AMERICAN PENOLOGY, THE COMMUNITY JUSTICE IDEAL (with David Karp) and AMERICAN CORRECTIONS (with G. Cole).

George F. Cole is Professor Emeritus of Political Science at the University of Connecticut. A specialist in the administration of criminal justice, he has published extensively on such topics as prosecution, courts, and corrections. He developed and directed the graduate corrections program at the University of Connecticut and was a Fellow at the National Institute of Justice (1988). Among his other accomplishments, he has been granted two awards under the Fulbright-Hays Program to conduct criminal justice research in England and the former Yugoslavia. In 1995 he was named Fellow of the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences for distinguished teaching and research.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 592 pages
• Publisher: Wadsworth Publishing; 6 edition (August 8, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0534595170
• ISBN-13: 978-0534595173
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.8 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 1.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,469,544 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Worst Criminal Justice Textbook I've ever read, November 9, 2005

By 

N. Ward "petbadger" (Texas) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: American Corrections (with CD-ROM and InfoTrac) (Hardcover)

The name of this book should be 'The Overly-Liberal, Bleeding-Heart View of Corrections'. This was by far the worst criminal justice textbook that I have ever read. I expect textbooks for classes to give the facts and be somewhat unbiased. This book gave a VERY one-sided view which portrayed anyone that is convicted of a crime to be the actual victim; all the way from investigation to parole. This view would have been fine if it had been countered with the other side as well. I was very disappointed. I read it from from front to cover, and it was brutal. This should be a book on opinion, instead of a textbook.