​The public’s response to crime frequently makes classification an emotionally charged issue.

​All punishments inflicted upon offenders are visible.

In Atkins v. Virginia the Supreme Court ruled that:​

Some overseers think a hardening of public attitudes toward criminals is reflected in longer sentences.​

Because of the heinous nature of the crime, several states have sought to enact laws permitting use of the death penalty for adults who:​

​The short-term history of corrections seems dominated by fads.

​The       offender is most likely to be the object of exploitation and practical jokes while incarcerated.

​Prison surpassed college as a place for young African American men after:

​Referrals to juvenile court for African American males occur more than       the rate for whites.

Probation may be revoked if the probationer fails to attend a therapy program.