The word prison conjures up a closed and frightening world of stark cells and corridors. In this world live people whom society wants nothing to do with anymore. But does this image correspond to reality? Daniel Fink provides a nuanced answer to this question. Starting with a brief overview of the Swiss prison system, he describes the various forms of deprivation of liberty, from pre-trial detention to military custody, from criminal and preventive detention to deportation custody and welfare placement. He examines the effects of the numerous revisions of Swiss sanctions law and the introduction of the Code of Criminal Procedure, portrays daily life in prison, and also addresses issues such as health, release, probation assistance, and recidivism.