50. Why have parole boards recently been scrutinized and even criticized for releasing prisoners early? How does this
compare to the historical origins of parole? Identify three reasons cited by correctional authorities to justify some early
releases. Also identify three contrasting criticisms of parole made by prisoners’ rights groups. What have these groups
recommended as alternatives?
Early releases granted to prisoners by parole boards have recently been criticized because
many parolees commit additional crimes after being released. Historically, the practice of
parole originated in the 1800s. However, prisoners today have far more difficulty attaining
parole than in the past.
Correctional authorities have traditionally cited three reasons to justify creating parole
boards to grant early release: (1) Parole officers can give ex-convicts guidance to help
them transition more smoothly from regimented confinement to civilian life. (2) The
possibility of parole for consistently good behavior enables correctional officers to control
inmate behavior more effectively. (3) By clearing enough cell space for new prisoners,
correctional authorities can manage inmate departures and arrivals better when paroled
prisoners vacate their cells.
In contrast, prisoners’ rights group disagree with the idea of parole as an incentive for
rehabilitation. Instead, their criticisms of parole include the following: (1) Parole extends
the duration of government control over ex-convicts. (2) Parole is used as a mechanism for
prolonging the punishment of ex-convicts. (3) Parole functions as a source of uncertainty,
and hence anxiety, for ex-convicts. These groups have recommended eliminating parole
and replacing indeterminate sentences that have wide ranges of minimal and maximal
durations with fixed or determinate sentences that have shorter durations.