This summary of the literature provides an overview on adult probation, with attention to the conceptual problems associated with often conflicting definitions of probation, the legal and statutory development of probation, its major objectives and tasks, and its effectiveness. Some of the critical areas addressed include: (1) the locus of…

This review of 150 documents from various countries describes probation or suspended sentencing systems, their use and effectiveness, legal and historical contexts for probation, and variations in eligibility criteria. Issues addressed by these materials include the following: (1) the movement of probation services toward a more client-centered…