Summary

Shapiro, C. (1992). "Adult Probation in America: Its Role in Restorative Justice." In: H. Messmer and H.-U. Otto (eds.), Restorative Justice on Trial: Pitfalls and Potentials of Victim-Offender Mediation: International Research Perspectives. Dordrecht, NETH: Kluwer Academic Publishers, pp. 397-408.

Probation is the most pervasive arm of Americaís vast correctional scheme. Today, approximately 75% of all felons are under some form of community-based supervision with an additional large number of misdemeanants being serviced by state and local probation departments. Sheer numbers alone give us pause to examine probation's role in a restorative justice model. This paper presents arguments against and for probation as a proponent of restorative justice. It culminates with a research agenda that builds upon probationís inherent strengths.