Download or read book Penitentiaries, Reformatories, and Chain Gangs written by Mark Colvin and published by Palgrave Macmillan. This book was released on 1997 with total page 294 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The definition of punishment in America has been subjected to a variety of changes and has served as the basis for much debate over the course of U.S. history. Just how far the reach of penal authority should extend, and exactly what limits to it should be imposed, are questions explored here by sociologist Dr. Mark Colvin, who has extensive experience working in penitentiaries and correction agencies.