Using felony probation to solve prison overcrowding raises serious legal, moral, and ethical problems. Felony probation is a feasible and economical solution to the problems created by an ever-increasing prison population. The book outlines the history, philosophy, and function of probation in the United States and analyzes various models of probation. The roles of courts and judges in sentencing felons are discussed, as well as the impact of plea bargaining on felony probation. The relationship between prison overcrowding and felony probation is explored, with special emphasis on recidivism, selective incapacitation, and the risk to the public of releasing felons capable of potentially dangerous conduct. After discussing some of the ethical and moral implications of felony probation, current state and federal trends in felony probation are summarized. 438 references.