Greece (From Probation in Europe, P 151-173, 1981, C G Cartledge et al, ed. - See NCJ-86328)

• NCJ Number: 86333
• Author(s): T Papalexiou
• Date Published: 1981
• Length: 23 pages
• Sale Source: European Assembly for Probation and After-Care
• Language: French; English
• Country: Netherlands

Annotation

This discussion of probation in Greece considers law enforcement and the administration of justice as well as the organization and working methods of the probation system.

Abstract

The Greek police force belongs to the Ministry of the Interior, but police departments function under the supervision of local public prosecutors. The police have no discretion to divert persons from the criminal justice system. The prosecutor examines not only the evidence that incriminates an accused but also the evidence supporting his/her innocence and may propose to a judge the acquittal of a defendant. The court system includes (1) magistrates' court, which deals with offenses for which the penalty is a fine or detention; (2) the court of first instance, which handles offenses carrying imprisonment up to 1 year, fines, and appeals from magistrates' courts; (3) the three-member court, which deals with serious crimes and appeals; and (4) the three-member court of appeal. Penalties are categorized as fines, detention for no more than 1 month, confinement in a psychiatric hospital, imprisonment, and capital punishment. The probation service is attached to the juvenile court, which is located in the capitals of each of the 52 prefectures of the country. Probation services focus on the control and prevention of delinquency. The probation service not only works with juveniles who have come before the court but juveniles considered at high risk of becoming delinquents. Officers prepare background reports on juveniles appearing before the court, and they are responsible for implementing the court's educational and protective aims toward the juvenile. The casework method is used by officers, as they develop contacts not only with the client but with the client's family, teachers, and other significant persons in the juvenile's life. Probation officers cooperate with other government agencies and private agencies in brokering services for probationers. Key addresses and probation statistics for 1973-79 are provided.