This book provides the first complete, literal English translation of Alexis de Tocquevilles and Gustave de Beaumonts first edition of On the Penitentiary System in the United States and Its Application to France.  The work contains a critical comparison of two competing American penitentiary disciplines known as the Auburn and Philadelphia systems, an evaluation of whether American penitentiaries can successfully work in France, a detailed description of Houses of Refuge as the first juvenile detention centers, and an argument against penal colonization. The work provides valuable insights into understanding Tocqueville as a statesman, as well as a comparative look at civic engagement in early American and French penal reform movements. The Translators Introduction provides historical context for understanding Tocquevilles work in French penal reform and the major themes of the report.  The book thus fills a void in Tocquevillian studies and extrapolates the roots of American and French criminal justice systems in the nineteenth century.

Emily Katherine Ferkaluk is Instructor of Political Science at Cedarville University, USA. She received her M.A. and Ph.D from the University of Dallas.  Her research interests include a study of Alexis de Tocqueville's discussion of American religion, politics, and penal institutions; motherhood and politics; and questions of constitutional law.

1. Translators Introduction.- 2. List of Documentary Evidence.- 3. On the Penitentiary System in the United States and Its Application to France: Preface.- 4. Part I Chapter 1: History of the Penitentiary System.- 5. Part I Chapter 2.- 6. Part I Chapter 3: Reform.- 7. Part I Chapter 4: Financial Part.- 8. Part II Chapter 1.- 9. Part II Chapter 2.- 10. Part III (On Houses of Refuge) Chapter 1.- 11. Part III (On Houses of Refuge) Chapter 2.- 12. Appendix: On Penal Colonies.- 13. Appendix: Alphabetical Notes.- 14. Appendix No. 4: Agricultural Colonies.- 15. Appendix No. 5: On Public Education.- 16. Appendix No. 6: Pauperism in America.- 16. Appendix No. 7: Imprisonment for Debts in the United States.- 17. Appendix No. 8: Imprisonment of Witnesses.- 18. Appendix No. 9: Temperance Societies.- 19. Appendix No. 10: Inquiry into the Philadelphia Penitentiary.- 20. Appendix No. 11: Conversation with Mr. Elam Lynds.- 21. Appendix No. 12: Excerpts.- 22. Appendix No. 13: Regulations of the Connecticut Prison.- 23. Appendix No. 13, bis: Regulations from Mr. Welles for the Boston House of Refuge.- 23. Appendix No. 14: Letter from Mr. Barrett, Chaplain of the Wethersfield Penitentiary.- 24. Appendix No. 15: Conversation with the Director of the Philadelphia House of Refuge.- 25. Appendix No. 16: Statistical Notes.- 26. Appendix No. 17: Statistical Observations and Comparisons.- 27. Appendix No.18: Some Points of Comparison Between France and America.- 28. Appendix No. 19: Financial Part.