Includes bibliographical references and index.

Offering a holistic and contemporary account of the penal system in England and Wales, this accessible new textbook considers the full breadth of the criminal justice system, going beyond prisons to cover other punishments such as out-of-court disposals and community penalties, as well as issues pertaining to rehabilitation and reintegration. Penal policy and practice sits within a fast changing world, with constant alterations to policy and resulting practice. Helping students to understanding this ever-changing environment, this book not only provides a strong foundation in penal theory but also has a strong focus on actual practice, drawing on a number of interviews with people who work within or for agencies associated with the penal system, as well as accounts of prison visits that help to build an accurate picture of current prison life.