Probation

Probation is the most widely used sentencing option in the United States. The term probation derives from the Latin word probatio (meaning “period of proving” or “trial and forgiveness”), thus implying that an offender must prove himself/herself through a specified period of time (the length and term of probation) by complying with the terms and conditions of probation. According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, of the 7.2 million persons under correctional supervision (including both community-based corrections and institutional corrections) at year-end 2009, 58 percent were ...