Which term describes a sentence that lets someone remain in the community under supervision instead of going to prison?

• A. Homicide
• B. Justifiable homicide
• C. Parole
• D. Probation

Answer: (D)

Probation is a court-ordered disposition that lets a person remain in the community under supervision instead of serving a prison sentence. It usually comes with conditions set by the court—like regular reporting to a probation officer, obeying laws, staying within a certain area, maintaining employment or education, and sometimes undergoing drug testing or treatment. If those conditions are violated, probation can be revoked and the person may be sentenced to imprisonment for the remainder of the term. Parole, by contrast, is release from prison after serving part of a sentence, still under supervision. The other terms involve homicide or justifiable homicide, not sentencing or release mechanisms.