Former International Prison Congresses pronounced in favour of the provisional sentence ("_sentence provisoire_"). By this is meant in foreign codes what is generally known as a "conditional conviction," _i.e._, a conviction takes place, but is not carried into effect, conditionally on the good conduct of the offender during a term of years (generally five) prescribed by the law. This respite is known technically as "_sursis à l'exécution de la peine_." The principle of conditional conviction is common to most penal codes, but operates in different ways, _e.g._, it may take the form simply of judicial reprimand, or of being bound over to be of good behaviour, or of probation, as in England and America, or of respite in the execution of the sentence, as in France, Belgium, and Switzerland. The Continental law of "_sursis_" or "_respite_" differs from the English law of Probation in that in the former case there is always a conviction. In England, except in serious cases tried on indictment, there is no conviction. The English law gives power if the court, "having regard to the character, antecedents, age, health, or mental condition of the person charged, or to the trivial nature of the offence, or to the extenuating circumstances under which the offence was committed, thinks fit so to act, to discharge the offender conditionally on his entering into a recognisance, with or without sureties, to be of good behaviour and to appear for conviction" (if before a court of summary jurisdiction) "and sentence when called on at any time during such period, not exceeding three years, as may be specified in the order." Such a recognisance may contain the condition that the offender shall be under the supervision of a probation officer. The court may add further conditions with respect to residence, abstention from intoxicating liquor, and any other matter which, having regard to the particular circumstances of the case, it may consider necessary for the prevention of the same offence, or the commission of other offences. It is the duty of the probation officer, subject to the directions of the court-- "(_a_) to visit or receive reports from the person under supervision at such reasonable intervals as may be specified in the probation order, or subject thereto as the probation officer may think fit; "(_b_) to see that he observes the conditions of his recognisance; "(_c_) to report to the court as to his behaviour; "(_d_) to advise, assist, and befriend him, and, when necessary, to endeavour to find him suitable employment." Should the probationer commit fresh offences, or evade the supervision of the probation officer, or otherwise break any of the conditions of his recognisance, he is to be brought again before the court and sentenced for his original offence.