Imagine you are a probation supervisor for a county court within the state of Georgia, with Judge Longworth presiding. You came up through the system first by working as an assistant for your state's juvenile correction center and then by taking advantage of a criminal justice scholarship program. You completed your degree in Administration of Justice which afforded you an entry-level position with the community resources division of the state's department of corrections. It took you seven long years, but you finally worked your way up to the position you have today as a probation supervisor.

It wasn't an easy road. You could have easily ended up on probation yourself. As a single parent of two, you know what it was like to be on food stamps and to declare bankruptcy. Through hard work and the relationships you built along the way, you were able to avoid the pitfalls many of your clients fall into. Your journey allows you to empathize with your client, Mary Lee Smith.

Mary Lee Smith

Meet Mary Lee Smith - a new case on your docket. By no means is Mary new to being on probation, she has a long history with the criminal justice system, but her background explains why.

Mary Lee Smith, now 30 years old, married at 17. She quit high school to move out west with her husband who was in the army. By the age of 20, Mary was already divorced with two kids. Not having a degree or any marketable skills, the only jobs available to Mary were minimum wage. To supplement her income, Mary turned to shoplifting, identity theft, and prostitution for which she received convictions but has not served any time in prison. She was also charged with lesser offenses for petty larceny, but the prosecutor has decided to abandon these charges. To date, Mary has not served a day in prison.

Judge's Chambers

Judge Longworth has called you, the probation supervisor, into his chambers before Mary's hearing.

Judge Longworth acknowledges that you see a lot of redeeming qualities in Mary but, he isn't convinced. He asks you directly if you really believe Mary deserves to stay in the community given her persistent criminal behavior. He expresses his concern about the community being fed up with repeat offenders. He tells you that he believes the only way Mary is going to learn to respect other people's property is by being deprived of her own freedom.

You are on the spot. It is your job to recommend what to do about Mary. Your opinion has a lot of weight with the judge. Your answer could put Mary in prison or give her another chance on probation. The judge will make up his own mind, but you know he values your judgement.

1. Should Mary Lee be sent to prison or allowed to remain on probation?
2. Is there anything else , as a probation officer, can do to help Mary Lee make a more successful adjustment regarding living within the limits of the law?
3. Is it enough for the courts or society to tell someone like Mary Lee not to commit petty larceny, or does our system have a moral duty to provide her with support services that could increase her chance of success?

 

Answer rating: 100% (QA)

1 Prison or Probation Considering Mary Lee Smiths background and the judges concern about repeat offenders its important to assess Marys potential for ... View the full answer