This summary of the literature provides an overview on adult probation, with attention to the conceptual problems associated with often conflicting definitions of probation, the legal and statutory development of probation, its major objectives and tasks, and its effectiveness. Some of the critical areas addressed include: (1) the locus of probation administration; (2) the roles of probation officers; (3) caseload management techniques; (4) strategies for the provision of services; (5) the use of paraprofessionals and volunteers; (6) education and training for probation officers; (7) time studies in probation management, information systems, cost analyses; (8) and model standards. Also examined are issues in the production and impact on pre-sentence investigation reports, issues in the provision of probation treatment, innovations in probation structure and programming, trends in international probation applicable to the U.S., and the state of research, particularly its strengths and deficiencies. Reference source notes are provided for individual chapters. A bibliography is also included. (Author)