Reference no: EM133877011

Assoignment:

Mark is in court requesting that his charges be reduced and his probation end. He has not only been attending regular meetings to address his addiction, he has continued to volunteer at a senior citizens home. While under probation, Mark has totally abstained from any alcohol and has not been in any trouble with the law. Mark brings his local minister and a family friend to court to testify on his behalf. They both state they have never seen Mark even raise his voice to anyone, and his behavior on the night he was arrested is out of character for him. You are the judge. To encourage continued positive behaviors in Mark, you are thinking of ending his probation early. You know that if you agree to end his probationary period, he may file for a vacation of his criminal record and the court may clear his record. You are concerned that this will make it too easy for Mark to drink again.

For some people, one drink will lead to more drinking, and you want to make sure Mark doesn't become one of these statistics. You also learn that Mark just broke up with his girlfriend, and you are concerned this could lead him to taking a drink. Do you terminate or continue Mark's probation? You choose to have Mark finish his full probation time. The main benefit of this plan is you will be enforcing a consistent punishment for those who enter your courtroom. You want to set a strong example for future defendants. Your primary responsibility is to hold offenders accountable for their crimes.