This paper was focused on the pressing issues of the U.S. correctional system. The outlines of the paper is as follows: Chap. 1. Introduction, Chap. 2. The Development of Corrections in the U.S., Chap. 3. The Organization of Corrections in the U.S., Chap. 4. Issues in the U.S. Corrections, Chap. 5. Concluding Remarks. The findings can be summarized as follows: From the colonial days to the present in the United States of America, the methods of criminal sanctions that are considered appropriate have varied. The development of the penitentiary brought a shift from corporal punishment. The Pennsylvania and New York systems were competing approaches to implementing the ideas of the penitentiary. The Declaration of Principles of 1870 contained the key element for the reformatory and rehabilitation models of corrections. The administration of corrections in the United States is fragmented in that various levels of government are involved. Jails, which are administered by local government, hold persons awaiting trial as well as sentenced offenders. Prison populations have more than doubled during the past decade. There has also been a great increase in facilties and staff to administer them.