NCJ Number
26075
Journal
BRITISH JOURNAL OF CRIMINOLOGY, DELINQUENCY, AND DEVIANT SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR Volume: 15 Issue: 2 Dated: (APRIL 1975) Pages: 128-139
Date Published
1975
Length
12 pages
Annotation
EXAMINATION OF SOME OF THE PRACTICAL OBSTACLES WHICH MAY AFFECT THE COMPREHENSIVENESS AND RELIABILITY OF SOCIAL INQUIRY REPORTS (PRESENTENCE INVESTIGATIONS), WITH EMPHASIS ON THE REPORT'S CONTENTS.
Abstract
ALSO COVERED IS THE QUESTION OF WHETHER REPORTS SHOULD CONTAIN EVALUATIVE MATERIAL, AND THE PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH COMPILING AND PRESENTING PRESENTENCE REPORTS, SUCH AS LIMITED TIME, THE DIFFICULTY OF THE PROBATION OFFICER'S ROLE, THE LACK OF COOPERATION ON THE PART OF SUBJECTS, AND THE DIFFICULTY OF FORMING EVALUATIVE JUDGMENTS. HIGHLIGHTED IS A DISCUSSION OF THE DESIRABILITY OF GRANTING DEFENDANTS THE OPPORTUNITY OF REBUTTAL AFTER THE REPORT CONTENTS HAVE BEEN DISCLOSED TO HIM. THE AUTHORS MAINTAIN THAT THE DEFENDANT'S RIGHT TO CHALLENGE INACCURACIES IN THE REPORT REQUIRES THAT HE BE ENSURED ADEQUATE TIME TO CONSIDER THE CONTENTS OF THE REPORT AND THAT HE HAS A COPY OF IT BEFORE HIM IN COURT TO ASSIST HIM TO CHALLENGE IT. A LIST OF REFERENCES IS INCLUDED.