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Canyon College

COURSE SYLLABUS: Probation and Parole

Course Title: Department: Instructor: Prerequisites:

CJ435 - Probation and Parole Criminal Justice Don E. Peavy, Sr., J.D. E-Mail - Vita None

PURPOSE OF THE COURSE

This course is an overview of the complex "real world" of probation and parole. It explores the cutting-edge of both practice and theory with regard to all aspects of adult and juvenile probation, institutions, and parole. By the conclusion of this course, students should have an understanding of probation and parole as well as be able to negotiate the terrain of the "real" world in which those aspects of the criminal justice system exist and be aware of the complex and often confusing issues with which today’s practitioners must grapple.

REQUIREMENTS Online Bookstore

1. Readings. The required text is Howard Abadinsky’s: Probation and Parole, Ninth Edition, by Howard Abadinsky.
   Prentice Hall (Pearson), New Jersey, 2005/2006.
   Hardback/Cloth ISBN: 0131188941 ISBN-13: 9780131188945
   There will also be occasional court cases and other short readings.
2. Conferences. Students may schedule up to two Internet conferences between the student and the professor. These may be scheduled at any time. Of course, students may ask questions of the professor at any time by sending an E-mail to the address at the link above.
3. Exams. There will be two exams. One exam will be given at the end of week three and a final exam will be given at the end of week six. The exams will cover the assigned readings. In addition, each week students are required to answer the discussion questions and e-mail the answers to the professor.
4. Grades. Course work will be weighted as follows:

Midterm Exam	30 Points
Discussion Questions	30 Points
Final Exam	40 Points
Total	100 Points

5. Grading Scale.

90 - 100 Points	A - Excellent
80 - 89 Points	B - Above Average
70 - 79 Points	C - Average
60 - 69 Points	D - Below Average
59 points and below	F - Failing Grade

A = Clearly stands out as excellent performance. Has unusually sharp insight into material and initiates thoughtful questions. Sees many sides of an issue. Articulates well and writes logically and clearly. Integrates ideas previously learned from this and other disciplines. Anticipates next steps in progression of ideas.

B = Grasps subject matter at a level considered to be good to very good. Is an active listener and participant in chats, message boards, e-mails and conferences. Speaks and writes well. Accomplishes more than the minimum requirements. Work is of high quality.

C = Demonstrates a satisfactory comprehension of the subject matter. Accomplishes only the minimum requirements, and displays little or no initiative. Communicates at an acceptable level for a college student. Has a generally acceptable understanding of all basic concepts.

D = Quality and quantity of work is below average and barely acceptable.

F = Quality and quantity of work is unacceptable.

ASSIGNMENTS

Week One: Read all of Chapters 1 and 2. What is the importance of probation and parole in the criminal justice system? What are the five societal goals of sentencing? What concerns can complicate sentencing? Who were the child savers? What did their efforts accomplish?

Week Two: Read Chapters 3, 4 and 5. What was the issue decided in the case of Mempa v. Rhay? What is the real significance of that case? What rights were provided to persons accused of violating probation in the case of Gagnon v. Scarpelli? Why does a judge order a PSI? What are some of the criticisms of the PSI report?

Week Three: Read Chapters 6 and 7. Please take the mid-term exam by the end of this week. The exam is open book and will cover Chapters 1,2,3,4,5, 6, and 7.

Week Four: Read Chapters 8 and 9. Visit a local probation office and interview a PO. Who does the PO believe/feel is the best candidate for probation? The one least likely to make it on probation? What factors, if any, must always be present before the PO recommends probation? Are there any crimes for which the PO would never recommend probation? Why did the PO become a PO?

Week Five: Read Chapters 10 and 11. What is the purpose of the risk/needs classification system? Why is the home visit important in P/P supervision? How have probation/parole agencies responded to the problem of sex offenders? What is the purpose of the Interstate Compact?

Week Six: Read Chapter 12 and the Conclusion. Please take the final exam by the end of this week. The exam is open book and covers Chapters 8,9,10,11, and 12 and the Conclusion.