The Relevance and Impact of Contemporary Paroling Authorities

• In Event: Parole and Community Supervision

Abstract

Parole boards have experienced dramatic change and daunting challenges to their operations over several decades, yet they continue to exert a substantial, albeit unrecognized, impact on correctional systems throughout the nation. In light of their continued importance, this session will present the findings of a 2015 survey of parole releasing authorities conducted by the Robina Institute of Criminal Law and Criminal Justice at the University of Minnesota Law School. The survey covered a range of topics, including the reach of parole boards, board membership, release decision-making, parolee supervision, revocation proceedings, and chairpersons’ views on the parole process. Other topics were also examined including the participation of victims, the use of risk assessment tools, and the transparency of parole board operations. The findings provide an overview of the current state of parole releasing authorities across 45 states and the US Parole Commission. These results will be highlighted and compared to previous surveys from 1988, 1991, and 2008 to better understand how paroling authorities have evolved and changed during the past several decades.

Authors

• Edward Rhine, Robina Institute of Criminal Law and Criminal Justice, at the University of Minnesota Law School

• Ebony Ruhland, Robina Institute of Criminal Law and Criminal Justice at the University of Minnesota Law School

• Jason Robey, Robina Institute of Criminal Law and Criminal Justice, at the University of Minnesota Law School