This book presents research on prison privatisation in the US, with a focus on state prison privatisation. The basic thrust is to research the privatisation of a governmental function that is traditionally treated as a core function and involves the use of force. Specifically, the author researched the basic drives of prison privatisation and the variation of the magnitude of state prison privatisation among the 50 US states. The basic idea is to examine the influence of political and pragmatic factors to make sure the fundamental nature of the privatisation of imprisonment, and further, of core governmental functions. The author's general argument is that prison privatisation was pushed forward by the changing political environment. Pragmatic and economic concerns or demands are derived from the political changes and are of secondary but still direct importance. This book has a detailed exploration of the whole picture of prison privatisation, with rich data and analysis.