Provide historical examples of the various forms of early probation and parole. The first efforts to supervise a defendant’s release in lieu of incarceration can be credited to the works of John...

Provide historical examples of the various forms of early probation and parole.

The first efforts to supervise a defendant’s release in lieu of incarceration can be credited to the works of John Augustus. This nineteenth century Boston shoemaker used his personal finances to guarantee bail for defendants from a local city court. His charitable work would lead to the creation of the first publically funded probation officer positions. Today, probation has become the most common sentencing option for judges. The historical roots of parole can be traced to practices of the French, the English, and the Irish, of releasing prisoners for good behavior and their word of honor to obey the law. In 1854, Sir Walter Crofton pioneered the conditional release of Irish inmates before they completed their sentences. Crofton’s Irish system became the model for the American parole system.

1. What is contained in a presentence investigation report?

2. How can probation be revoked?

3. Why is probation less costly to the taxpayer?

4. What was the mark system? Who developed it?

5. How does the general public typically view parole?

6. What is a parole board?