Gagnon v. Scarpelli is a US Supreme Court case that established due process rights for probationers, including the right to a hearing before probation can be revoked. Which principle did this case establish for probationers?

• A. The right to a hearing before revocation
• B. Probation can be revoked without notice
• C. Probationers have no due process rights
• D. Probation officers can revoke probation unilaterally

Answer: (A)

The key idea is that probation represents a protected liberty interest, so due process requires a hearing before any revocation can occur. Gagnon v. Scarpelli extends these protections to probationers, holding that they must receive notice of alleged violations and an opportunity to be heard before their probation can be revoked. In practice, this often means a two-stage process: a preliminary hearing to determine probable cause and a more formal final revocation hearing where the probationer can present evidence and, if needed, have counsel. This framework prevents arbitrary or punitive revocation and ensures fair treatment.