"I believed it was normal": Examining parole hearing discourses

• In Event: Poster Session

Abstract

Parole is intensive community supervision of individuals following a period of incarceration. Initially, parole board discretion was focused on assessing rehabilitative efforts, rather than other elements such as the symbolic interaction amongst individuals. Symbolic interaction refers to the distinctive character of meaning-making between human beings (Blumer, 1962). By integrating a symbolic interactionism framework along with other elements of decision-making processes, this study explores the discretionary release practices of juvenile lifer candidates, i.e., individuals sentenced to life as children or teenagers. To illustrate the symbolic, discourse between parole applicants and the parole board are analyzed by using a dramaturgical codebook that focuses on linguistic choices, as well as actual content of speech. Specific codes include locating the use of passive voice, moments of confrontation, expressions of remorse, responsibility, and redemption, as well as any mention of adolescence at time of offense. Preliminary results from the coding of multiple parole hearing transcripts are presented with implications for theory, research, and practice.

Authors

• Makiya Owens, Sam Houston State University

• Stuti Kokkalera, Sam Houston State University