Corrections And The Criminal Justice System - 2445 Words

Corrections Corrections is a component of the criminal justice system and refers to the array of programs, services, facilities and organizations responsible for managing offenders or those who have been accused of committing a crime. Incarceration and probation are two of the basic ways that punishment is applied. If someone is a repeat offender or commits a more serious crime, they are more likely to be incarcerated, which means they are imprisoned. If someone is a first time offender or commits a lesser crime, they could be sentenced to probation, which allows them to serve in the community under the supervision of a probation officer (Cole, Smith DeJong, 2014). Probation and incarceration both have their own origin and definitions,†¦show more content†¦Other forms of punishment included branding and mutilation. Punishments of being incarcerated have become less severe over time (History of Probation, 2016). When someone is sentenced to probation, it often times includes a period of incarceration that will be suspended if the defendant properly complies with the terms of probation (Cole, Smith DeJong, 2014). It is also somewhat likely that offenders will be sentenced to a short incarceration term and then sentenced to probation following the incarceration term. This is known as a split sentence (Probation, 2016). Probation is the most frequently used criminal sanction. It allows offenders to serve their community under supervision of a probation officer throughout their sentence. First time offenders, youthful offenders, and those who commit minor crimes, such as shoplifting, are most likely to be sentenced to probation, as it is a lesser form of punishment. Those under probation must abide by certain rules. Often times, people on probation are required to be employed, maintain and orderly life, or attend school. Along with that, they are required to report back to their probation offic ers as often as requested. If these standards are not met, the judge may have the opportunity to revoke the probation and impose a greater form of punishment, such as a short prison sentence. Other rules these offenders might have to abide by include having curfews, taking regular drug