The article is devoted to the analysis of the formation and development of the probation institution in the Russian Federation through the prism of the basic principles of criminal law. It examines the current understanding of probation as a comprehensive system of control, supervision, and social support for individuals who have committed crimes, both during the execution of punishment and after release. Special attention is given to the legal regulation of probation in the Federal Law "On Probation in the Russian Federation" and its significance for ensuring legal certainty and implementing the principle of legality. The author consistently reveals the relationship between probation and the principles of justice, humanism, and individualization of punishment, showing that this institution is focused not only on controlling the behavior of convicts, but also on their correction, resocialization, and prevention of recidivism. It is emphasized that probation serves as an alternative to overly repressive criminal measures and contributes to the reduction of criminal repression while maintaining the necessary level of public safety. The article also analyzes the individual approach implemented through probation programs, which take into account the convicted person's personality, social connections, and needs. The conclusion is that the development of the probation institution is a natural stage in the evolution of Russian criminal law, reflecting the humanistic nature of modern criminal policy and its focus on personal rehabilitation rather than solely on punitive measures.