Augustus 'Use Of Probation' By Augustus

Augustus did not use the term probation as most people would use it today. In his book, he referred to “bailing on probation” (Augustus, 1972, p. 99). He called the activity that he was engaged in as “bailing.” For instance, he writes, “This year [1848] I accomplished a greater amount of labor in bailing persons, than during any other single year since beginning my labors in the courts” (Augustus, 1972, p. 37). When he did use the word probation, it was usually in the sense of “testing” or “trial.” This would be similar to someone saying they were just hired at a job and would be on probation for 90 days. So, he referred to probation as that period of time prior to sentencing when the person had a chance to show that they were capable of
reformation. If they could show they were capable of reforming, they would be fined when they returned to court. If they could not satisfy the judge that it was possible to turn their life around, they would be subject to imprisonment (Panzarella, 2002).