In 1900, only five States had probation statutes. As of 1976, all States had enacted probation laws, although they are not all developed and used widely in all jurisdictions. Most States have not yet met the standards suggested by the American Bar Association or the Model Sentencing Act. In this study, each of the various jurisdiction's probation statutes effective in 1976 were analyzed. Specific data regarding organization, compensation, probation officer qualifications, defendant's eligibility, conditions suggested by codes, and probationary terms were analyzed. Letters were written to State and Federal jurisdictions requesting further information, journals were reviewed for evaluation of probation practices, and case law was examined to determine how appellate courts interpret the statutes. Information is given on probation statutes for each State, American Samoa, the Canal Zone, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. Findings indicate that probation is functional in each jurisdiction, although administration of the various agencies differs greatly as do the expectations of probation officers and clients. Tables and 179 references are included. (Author abstract modified)