Nikki N. Robinson
Probation is sentence where a convict is released from confinement but is still under court supervision; a testing or a trial period. Probation can be given in lieu of a prison term or can suspend a prison sentence if the convict has consistently demonstrated good behavior. (The Free Dictionary , 1981-2005) The status of a convicted person who is given some freedom on the condition that for a specified period he or she act in a manner approved by a special officer to whom the person must report. There are two different kinds of probation, Adult Probation and Juvenile Probation. Both are similar in many ways, but at the same time different. In the following I plan on explaining the similarities and differences.
The idea of probation was inspired in the mid-nineteenth century by John Augustus, a resident of Boston. Augustus encountered a man about to be sentenced in a Boston court and believed him to be capable of reform. Augustus posted bail for the man and succeeded in getting his sentence reduced. From 1841 to 1859 Massachusetts judges released approximately 2000 offenders into Augustus's custody instead of ordering incarceration. (The Free Dictionary , 1981-2005)
Although probation officers supervise the probationers, that’s not all they do. There are many things that probation officers are in charge of that most people wouldn’t think of, such as, the Probation Office conducts pre-sentence investigations, parole and probation violation investigations and reports for the Court. The office supervises parolees, probationers and mandatory releases and refers clients to community agencies. (Wise, 2003)
Adult Probation supervises individuals 18 years of age and older, including verifying their residence and employability. Adult Probation also prepares pre-sentence reports for the courts and collects fines, costs and restitution. They are...