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                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1


                   CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the use of our report
dated March 27, 2000 relating to the consolidated financial statements of Prison
Realty Trust, Inc. (formerly Prison Realty Corporation) and subsidiaries
included in this registration statement on Form S-4 of Prison Realty Trust, Inc.
(formerly Prison Realty Corporation) and to all references to our Firm included
in or made a part of this registration statement.


                                         ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP


Nashville, Tennessee
July 18, 2000



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