Effects of the Minnesota Sentencing Guidelines on Probation Agents

• NCJ Number: 132634
• Journal: Journal of Crime and Justice Volume: 13 Issue: 2 Dated: (1990) Pages: 77-104
• Author(s): R Lawrence; S L Johnson
• Date Published: 1990
• Length: 27 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Survey
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: (Revised version of a paper presented at the 1989 annual meeting of the Midwest Criminal Justice Association in Chicago)

Annotation

This study examines probation agents' attitudes toward the pre-sentence investigation report, the extent of role conflict, and differences in their approach to probation work as a result of Minnesota's State sentencing guidelines.

Abstract

Under indeterminate sentencing, probation agents played a major role in the determination of sentencing through recommendations made in the pre-sentence investigation report. Under determinate sentencing, the role of the probation agent is different. Survey items are shown in tables 1 and 2 with the reported responses. Role Conflict Scale Items were designed to reflect the extent to which agents express uncertainty, ambiguity, or disagreement with their job expectations in light of the sentencing guidelines. The results show disagreement on the probation agent's role in the pre-sentence investigations, difficulties with regard to criminal history scores, plea negotiations, and working under the "just deserts" philosophy of the sentencing guidelines. 3 tables, 4 footnotes, 1 figure, and 17 references (Author abstract modified)