NCJ Number
48498
Date Published
1971
Length
0 pages
Annotation
THE USE OF THE PRESENTENCE REPORT AS A DETERMINER OF OFFENDER CHARACTER AND ITS VALUE IN THE DISPOSITION OF A CASE ARE EXAMINED IN THIS FILM.
Abstract
THE PRESENTENCE INVESTIGATION IS DESIGNED TO FOCUS LIGHT ON THE CHARACTER AND PERSONALITY OF THE OFFENDER; IT IS NOT INTENDED TO SAY ANYTHING ABOUT THE INNOCENCE OR GUILT OF THE PERSON. THE INVESTIGATION OFFICER'S REPORT MUST BE VERY THOROUGH AND EXACT, BECAUSE IT IS ESSENTIAL IN DECIDING THE INDIVIDUAL'S FUTURE AFTER TRIAL. THE INVESTIGATOR INTERVIEWS MANY DIFFERENT PEOPLE, INCLUDING THE OFFENDER'S EMPLOYER, PARENTS, FRIENDS, AND DOCTORS TO GET AN IDEA OF WHY THE PERSON COMMITTED THE CRIME. THE INVESTIGATION SHOULD DETERMINE WHETHER THE SUBJECT HAD A VIOLENT TEMPER, WAS RELIABLE, AND WAS ABLE TO GET ALONG WITH PEOPLE. THE REPORT SHOULD NOT BE EMOTIONAL, AND THE INVESTIGATOR SHOULD NOT GET PERSONALLY INVOLVED IN THE CASE. PERSONAL CONFLICTS WITH PEOPLE WHO DISLIKED THE OFFENDER MUST ALSO BE AVOIDED ON THE PART OF THE INVESTIGATOR. THE PRESENTENCE REPORT IS USED BY THE JUDGE TO DETERMINE WHETHER THE OFFENDER SHOULD BE RELEASED ON PROBATION; IF THE SUBJECT GOES TO PRISON, IT IS USED LATER BY THE PAROLE BOARD TO DECIDE WHETHER THE INMATE IS RELEASED ON PAROLE. THE INVESTIGATION CAN SOMETIMES BE USED TO DETERMINE GUILT AS WELL; I.E., SOMETHING MAY BE UNCOVERED WHICH THE COURTS WERE UNABLE TO FIND. (BAC)