The book deals with the reaction of society against criminals, in terms of criminal sanctions and the treatment of offenders – especially imprisonment. After an initial discussion on the criminalization of behaviors, there follows a historical and theoretical examination of the evolvement of criminal sanctions and their rationale, and of the treatment of offenders, from ancient civilizations to the present time. Criminal policy in relation to the treatment of offenders as well as current trends in corrections are also examined. Special emphasis is given to imprisonment, as the main form of punishment/treatment of criminals. Following a theoretical examination of the institution of prison within a historical context, the various correctional systems are presented. An extensive analysis is dedicated to the operation and effectiveness of the various forms of corrections in different penitentiary environments, including the prison subculture and institutionalization, the individual and social repercussions, the disciplinary regime, the right of prisoners and their national and international protection. Furthermore, additional issues related to corrections are discussed, such as parole and probation, house arrest and electronic monitoring, work release programs, community service, post-release care and privatization of corrections. On each subject special reference is also made to the developments and the current situation in modern Greece, including the legal framework.