Deck 4: Probation in America

Question 1

Probation is defined as:

A) an alternative to jail in which a defendant can be released during their trial.
B) supervision provided to those individuals who have served a portion of their time in prison.
C) a conditional sentence that diverts the person from jail or prison which allows them to remain in the community in exchange for a set of conditions.
D) confinement for a period of time.

Answer 1

C

Question 2

Probation was initially designed to serve

A) women only
B) low risk offenders
C) high risk offenders
D) all offenders

Answer 2

B

Question 3

In 2005, probation populations peaked at an all-time high. How many people were on supervision?

A) 4 million
B) 400 thousand
C) 40 million
D) 1 million

Answer 3

A

Question 4

_______ has been identified as the "father" of modern-day probation.

A) George Washington
B) Abraham Lincoln
C) George Massey
D) John Augustus

Question 5

Probation was initially created to increase the harshness of the criminal justice system.

Question 6

Cesare Beccaria argued that the law needed to fit the punishment to the crime and that those charged had rights.

Question 7

After the Civil War, the United States criminal justice system shifted to a basis that:

A) Crime was a result individual's evils
B) Crime was a manifestation of societal ills

Question 8

By 1956, all states had a version of probation for adults and juveniles.

Question 9

The Federal system did not adopt probation right away. The following would best describe the resistance:

A) probation would not be effective with Federal defendants
B) probation would be a burden on the system
C) it was not constitutional
D) it was too costly

Question 10

Modern-day probation serves:

A) low-risk offenders
B) low-level offenders
C) drug offenders
D) all of the above
E) none of the above

Question 11

Mark all of the following objectives that are often assigned to probation.

A) reduce offending
B) protect the community
C) monitor conditions
D) reduce prison populations
E) provide supervision to offenders

Question 12

Probation is the most frequently used disposition.

Question 13

Probation is often a result of a plea bargain.

Question 14

A presentence investigation (PSI) is used for the following reason(s): (Mark all that apply)

A) provide information to the court
B) to determine guilt/innocence of the defendant
C) to aid in determining the sentence
D) to assist in determining the length of sentence
E) providing probation and parole a guide to address the needs of the offender

Question 15

PSIs often include a victim impact statement.

Question 16

Probation conditions are usually split into general and specific conditions.

Question 17

Fees are usually part of probation conditions. Fees provide:

A) funding for services
B) a way to hold offenders accountable
C) a & b
D) none of the above

Question 18

Which best describes restitution?

A) restitution is a means in which the offender can offset some of the damages to the victim.
B) restitution is a means to punish the offender

Question 19

A probationer can be revoked on technical violations.

Question 20

At a revocation hearing, probationers are not permitted counsel to represent them.

Question 21

Probation is generally more effective than prison?

Question 22

Probation departments that have ________ orientation are generally more effective.

A) control-oriented
B) service-oriented

Question 23

Probation appears to be an effective cost savings compared to prison.

Question 24

Why would probation be an important component of the criminal justice system?

Question 25

Discuss the pros and cons of offering probation.

Question 26

Should judges be able to revoke a person's probation on technical violations only?

Question 27

What are the pros and cons of charging probation fees? Should probation charge fees? Defend your answer

Question 28

Should judges be able to place conditions on probationers that have nothing to do with rehabilitation? Why?