1 Exhibit 23.1 CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in this registration statement on Form S-8 of Corrections Corporation of America of our report dated February 18, 1997 included in Corrections Corporation of America and Subsidiaries Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1996 and to all references to our Firm included in or incorporated by reference in this registration statement. /s/ ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP Nashville, Tennessee January 28, 1998