How do you think the criminal justice system would be effective without probation and/or parole?
The above poster has brought out a very valid train of thought with supporting facts behind it. I will give another train of thought that is slightly different. Aside from public floggings and lopping off hands for theft ( highly effective but rather severe), probation/parole allows a person to evaluate their own actions and prove themselves living in society under strict supervision. A person who is granted probation/parole is given a set of rules (sanctions) which is more stringent than just the laws of the land. As an example, a standard sanction of probation is no alcohol. If a person is over 21 and wants to stop at the bar, there is no problem. If that same person is on probation, he cannot. If he does and he gets a random urine test for drugs/alcohol, he has committed a TPV (Technical Probation Violation). This is similar to breaking a lease agreement. He didnt break the law, but he did violate his written and signed agreement. Although certain sanctions are standard, such as no
