Introduction
Parole is a right granted by the government to a convicted individual for breaking the law in order to reduce their time in confinement or release them before the end of the legally prescribed sentence. The government may grant parole for various reasons. In some jurisdictions, it may be given to individuals convicted of lesser crimes due to external circumstances such as pregnancy, illness, or old age. In other jurisdictions, individuals convicted of serious crimes may be eligible for conditional early release based on voluntary behavioral amendments or a need for social support.
Parole: Granting and Administration Process
Typically, parole is granted after a convicted individual has spent a certain amount of time in confinement. It may be given to an individual in accordance with the terms of their imprisonment or manually (Miller et al., 2022). Generally, it is granted when the individual has fulfilled specific requirements, such as attending courses for professional retraining or addiction treatment (US Department of Justice, 2021).
The government may grant or apply for parole in different ways. In some countries, it is given by court order. In other countries, it is given according to rules and procedures established by law. Some countries provide parole according to their programs and regulations.
For example, in Russia, parole is regulated by the Criminal Executive Code (CEC). It may be granted to a prisoner serving a sentence of more than one year of imprisonment. To obtain conditional early release, the prisoner must have a positive record during their incarceration and display a conscientious attitude towards work and public activities in prison. Additionally, the prisoner must pass a special commission that decides whether or not to grant them conditional early release (Miller et al., 2022).
Parole can also be granted for a specific or indefinite period until the end of the sentence. If a prisoner violates the conditions of their parole, they may be returned to prison to continue serving their sentence. In some cases, parole may be granted with a delay so that the prisoner can complete a vital business operation or medical treatment.
In the United States, parole is known as probation and is used for prisoners serving sentences for minor crimes. Under US law, probation is an alternative to imprisonment and is granted for a specific period, ranging from 1 to 5 years (Reitz & Rhine, 2020). A prisoner who receives probation must comply with the conditions set by the court. A violation of these conditions may result in the revocation of probation and the prisoner’s return to incarceration.
Inmates serving terms for violent crimes like murder or rape may be eligible for parole, also known as conditional release in the UK. Parole may be given in the UK for a set amount of time or indefinitely until the conclusion of the term (Miller et al., 2022). Inmates must behave well while incarcerated and prove that they are prepared to make life changes and contribute to society after they are released in order to be eligible for parole.
Conclusion
Overall, parole is a way to rehabilitate prisoners and allows them to return to everyday life after serving their sentence. Parole also helps reduce the overload on the prison system and the economic burden on the state. However, despite all the advantages, parole can be dangerous to society if the prisoner is not ready to readjust to life outside or continues to commit crimes.
Thus, the parole process allows prisoners to start a new life and become valuable members of society. In each country, this process is regulated by legislation and can only be granted to prisoners who meet specific requirements. Like any other procedure, parole has risks and benefits, and its application should be carried out cautiously and based on an individual analysis of each case.
References
Miller, M. L., Demleitner, N., Berman, D., & Wright, R. F. (2022). Sentencing law and policy: Cases, statutes, and guidelines. Aspen Publishing.
Reitz, K. R., & Rhine, E. E. (2020). Parole release and supervision: Critical drivers of American prison policy. Annual Review of Criminology, 3, 281-298.
US Department of Justice. (2021). Probation and parole in the United States, 2020. Web.