This book explores the main purposes of imprisonment around the world, including punishment, deterrence, rehabilitation, and public safety. It looks at the role of sentencing: Do life sentences violate human rights? How are juvenile offenders treated? Are mandatory sentences effective? Readers will examine the treatment of prisoners and prison conditions like overcrowding, gang activity, sexual abuse and disease, as well as the unique plight of political and religious prisoners. Essay sources include the Council of Europe, Catholic Bishops of New Zealand, House of Commons Home Affairs Committee, Just Detention International, and Human Rights Watch.