ABSTRACT
Since the arrival of the earliest European settlers in North America, the laws governing personal conduct have evolved. New offenses are continually defined and punishments established for violation. With the passage of time, punishments have also evolved. As in other parts of the world, many of the early punishments in North America were publically administered. It was expected that the administration of public punishment would serve as a deterrent to those who might feel inclined to also violate the law. Punishment options were limited. Punishments such as public whipping, stocks, or even banishment were in common use. Long-term confinement facilities did not exist, nor did formal probation, community corrections, or parole. Today, we have a wide range of punishment options available to our judicial authorities.
