Probation is suspension of sentence of an offender on certain conditions with

permission to remain in the community, subject to the control of the courts, and
under the supervision and guidance of a probation officer.

Thus, probation involves: (i) the withholding of imprisonment of the convicted

offender, (ii) conditional release, (iii) permission to live in the community, and
(iv) supervision of an agent of the court. This definition points out six elements of
probation:

1. The offence has been proved in the courts and has been found worth
punishment.

2. Imposition of punishment is postponed for a specific period.

3. The offender is given one more chance to prove that he can live as a law-
abiding member of society.

4. Imposition of conditions by the courts indicates that he is still under their

control.

5. The offender is generally kept under the supervision of a probation officer.