Research has shown that courts and practising jurists increasingly use social work
pre-sentence reports. Pre-sentence reports can be requested from probation officers
and social workers in private practice. These reports are prepared with the purpose
of assisting courts in determining the most appropriate sentence taking into account
the criminal, the victim and the community.
Worldwide research as confirmed by this investigation indicates that jurists generally
regard the quality of pre-sentence reports as unsatisfactory. This research
focussed on jurists' quality grading and their pointing out of shortcomings and
problems regarding certain aspects of the pre-sentence report.
Twenty respondents took part in this research among whom were advocates (some
with senior status), regional magistrates, magistrates and attorneys with experience
in the criminal court as well as being experienced in employing pre-sentence reports.
The aspects of the pre-sentence reports concentrated on is the report format, report
content, the discussion of the facts (evaluation), motivation underlying the
recommendations, general appearance, use of assessment instruments,
presentation in court, as well as skills and knowledge required to write the reports.
The respondents were also requested to indicate they prefer the service of either a
probation officer or a social worker in private practice. Their preferences are
highlighted and discussed. / Thesis (M.A. (MW))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2007.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:NWUBOLOKA1/oai:dspace.nwu.ac.za:10394/1494 |
| Date | January 2007 |
| Creators | De Koning, Susan Petru |
| Publisher | North-West University |
| Source Sets | North-West University |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
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