Dr. Adam McKee's

Probation and Parole

Spring 2006


Assignment 2


Definitions and questions beginning with "list" need not be answered in essay form; all other questions must be in essay form Use standard English grammar, punctuation, and capitalization rules.  All files must be double spaced, written in 12-point times new roman font, have 1-inch margins, and readable in Microsoft Word.  [I can't read MS Works files!]  Do Not Send Me Assignments In the Body of an Email.  They must be attached files.


1.  Using what you learned from reading chapter 1, answer the following question:

Using recidivism as a measure of how well community correction programs work can be detrimental to the public.  Explain how this is so.  [1/2  p.]*

2.  Define the following terms in your OWN words:

  1. pretrial release
  2. delegated release authority
  3. diversion
  4. voluntary sentencing guidelines
  5. presumptive sentencing grid
  6. sentencing commission
  7. standard conditions
  8. special conditions
  9. clear conditions
  10. reasonable conditions
  11. "scarlet letter" conditions [are they constitutional?]

3.  How do diversion and deferred adjudication differ?  How are they alike?  [1/3 p.]

4.  Discuss net widening.  How does it relate to pretrial diversion programs? [ 1/2 p.]

5.  What are sentencing guidelines?  How might they affect the decision to grant probation?  [ 1/3 p.]

6.  Discuss the three major methods by which a judge obtains sentencing information. [1/3 p.]

7.  Discuss the four limitations on the power of courts to impose conditions. [1/2 p.]


*Numbers in Brackets [ ] indicate the minimum page length for this answer.  Longer answers are always acceptable.  A slash / is used to form fractions of a page.


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