07488. THE DYSFUNCTION OF THE AMERICAN PRISON SYSTEM. History and overview of the crisis of today's prisons. Includes history of prisons and punishment in America; creation of the idea of rehabilitation since 1945 and its failure in practice; gangs, violence and contraband in today's prisons; overcrowding and why it won't end soon. The debate over community corrections, incapacitation, punishment and other fundamental issues. 16 pages, 44 footnotes, 11 bibliographic sources.