INTRODUCTION

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book focuses on the causes and correlates of macro-level changes in punishment policies and practices. It examines the role of sentencing policies, and sentencing practices, for explaining mass imprisonment in the US The book also examines the race, class, and gender disparities in probation. It looks at a very understudied issue: state and federal criminal record-sealing policies. The book concerns concepts of blameworthiness and culpability to examine how race and physical appearance are tied to criminal stereotypes. It explains the use of assessment in post-release supervision in Canada, looking at variation in evaluators’ subjective assessment of individual scores on motivation to desist, accountability for prior actions, and engagement in correctional plan. The book problematizes the practice of and utility of risk assessment in the public care and youth justice system.