EXHIBIT 23.1


                         CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS


         We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration
Statement (Form S-8) pertaining to the Amended and Restated 2000 Stock Incentive
Plan of Corrections Corporation of America of our report dated February 6, 2004
(except with respect to the matters discussed in the eleventh paragraph of Note
15 and the second paragraph of Note 17, as to which the date is February 19,
2004), with respect to the consolidated financial statements of Corrections
Corporation of America, included in its Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year
ended December 31, 2003, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.


                                         /s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP


Nashville, Tennessee
May 11, 2004