Parole is a conditional early release from prison, requiring adherence to strict rules.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Early release from prison with conditions.
- Requires following rules to stay free.
- Supervised by a parole officer.
Overview
Parole is a conditional release from prison that allows an inmate to serve the remaining portion of their sentence in the community. This release is not automatic; it is granted by a parole board after reviewing the inmate's case, behavior in prison, and readiness to reintegrate into society. The core idea behind parole is rehabilitation, offering a second chance to individuals who have demonstrated a willingness to change and abide by the law. However, it comes with strict conditions that must be met, or the individual can be sent back to prison.
The word 'parole' is typically used in legal and correctional contexts. It refers to the status of an individual who has been released under supervision. You might hear someone say 'He was granted parole' or 'She is on parole'. The phrase 'to be paroled' is also common, meaning to be released on parole. It's important to note that parole is a privilege, not a right, and its availability can depend on the nature of the crime and the laws of the jurisdiction.
Parole is frequently discussed in news reports about crime and the justice system. It's also a topic in legal dramas and discussions about prison reform. When someone is released on parole, they usually have a parole officer who monitors their progress, ensuring they adhere to the terms of their release, which might include regular check-ins, drug testing, maintaining employment, and avoiding contact with certain individuals or places.
Bail is money or property posted as security to ensure a defendant appears in court. It allows a person to be released from jail while awaiting trial, not after being convicted and serving part of a sentence like parole.
'Release' is a more general term that can refer to any kind of freedom from confinement, whether it's the end of a sentence, a temporary leave, or parole. Parole is a specific type of release under supervision.
Probation is often confused with parole, but they are different. Probation is typically a sentence served in the community instead of jail time, often for less serious offenses. Parole, on the other hand, is a release from prison before the full sentence is served. Someone on probation has not been to prison for that specific sentence, while someone on parole has.
Examples
He was granted parole after serving half of his sentence.
legalHe was granted parole after serving half of his sentence.
Her parole officer checks in with her every week.
everydayHer parole officer checks in with her every week.
The prisoner hoped for parole but was denied.
newsThe prisoner hoped for parole but was denied.
Violating the terms of parole can result in immediate re-incarceration.
formalViolating the terms of parole can result in immediate re-incarceration.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
granted parole
received official permission for early release
on parole
under conditional release from prison
parole hearing
a meeting where parole is considered
Often Confused With
Probation is a sentence served in the community, often instead of jail time. Parole is a conditional release from prison after serving part of a sentence.
Bail is money or security posted to ensure a defendant appears in court while awaiting trial. Parole is a release after conviction and serving part of a sentence.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Parole is primarily used in the context of the criminal justice system. It refers specifically to release from prison before the full sentence is served. While it implies freedom, it is conditional and involves ongoing supervision.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse parole with probation. Remember that parole involves release *from* prison, while probation is often a sentence served *instead of* going to prison. Also, ensure you use 'on parole' rather than 'in parole'.
Tips
Understand Parole Conditions
When someone is on parole, they must strictly follow all the rules set by the parole board. Breaking these rules can lead to returning to prison.
Parole is Not Freedom
Being on parole means you are still under the supervision of the justice system. You have restrictions and must report regularly to a parole officer.
Parole and Rehabilitation
The concept of parole is rooted in the belief that individuals can be rehabilitated and reintegrated into society successfully after serving time.
Word Origin
The word 'parole' comes from the French word 'parole', meaning 'word' or 'promise'. In a legal context, it originally referred to a soldier's promise to return after being released.
Cultural Context
The concept of parole reflects a shift in penal philosophy towards rehabilitation and second chances, balancing punishment with the potential for societal reintegration.
Memory Tip
Think of 'parole' sounding like 'approval' for release. It's an approved, but supervised, exit from prison.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsParole is a conditional release from prison after serving part of a sentence. Probation is a sentence served in the community, often instead of jail time for a first or less serious offense.
A parole board, a group of officials, decides whether an inmate is eligible for parole based on their case, behavior, and other factors.
If a person violates the conditions of their parole, they can be sent back to prison to finish their original sentence.
No, parole is not guaranteed. It is a privilege granted based on specific criteria and is not an automatic right for all prisoners.
Test Yourself
After serving five years of his ten-year sentence, he was granted ____.
Parole is a release from prison before the sentence is complete, under supervision.
To remain free after being released from prison early, a person must follow the rules of their ____.
Parole involves specific conditions that must be met to maintain freedom outside of prison.
to / released / was / He / parole / on
This sentence correctly uses the passive voice to describe the action of being released under parole.
Score: /3
Summary
Parole is a conditional early release from prison, requiring adherence to strict rules.
- Early release from prison with conditions.
- Requires following rules to stay free.
- Supervised by a parole officer.
Understand Parole Conditions
When someone is on parole, they must strictly follow all the rules set by the parole board. Breaking these rules can lead to returning to prison.
Parole is Not Freedom
Being on parole means you are still under the supervision of the justice system. You have restrictions and must report regularly to a parole officer.
Parole and Rehabilitation
The concept of parole is rooted in the belief that individuals can be rehabilitated and reintegrated into society successfully after serving time.
Examples
4 of 4He was granted parole after serving half of his sentence.
He was granted parole after serving half of his sentence.
Her parole officer checks in with her every week.
Her parole officer checks in with her every week.
The prisoner hoped for parole but was denied.
The prisoner hoped for parole but was denied.
Violating the terms of parole can result in immediate re-incarceration.
Violating the terms of parole can result in immediate re-incarceration.
Quick Quiz
The judge told the prisoner he would be eligible for _______ in five years.
Correct!
The correct answer is: parole
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Vocabulary
A sentence is a punishment given by a judge to someone who h...
probationA period of time where a person who has broken the law is al...
releaseFunctioning as an attributive descriptor for something that...
inmateA person who is confined to an institution such as a prison...
justiceJustice is the quality of being fair and reasonable in how p...
prisonA secure building or facility where individuals are legally...
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