Exam 12: Release and Reentry

One of the critiques of parole board decision making is that boards may be subject to political and public influence. What does this mean? Why might this be problematic? How might the system adequately address this critique?

Tyson is an inmate who has elected not to apply for parole while serving his institutional sentence. He is released without parole supervision at the end of his sentence. What form of release is this?

A life sentence means that the offender will spend the rest of his or her life in prison.

After serving one-third of his sentence in prison, Nelson has been permitted to serve the remainder of his sentence in the community. He will be supervised and expected to abide by conditions. What form of release is this?

Consider the issues surrounding the use of community notification. Would you support putting the names and detailed information on serious offences, including sex offenders, on the Internet? Why or why not?

Is day parole an effective conditional release option? Why or why not? What are the success rates for provincial/territorial and federal day parole in Canada?

Which statement is MOST accurate regarding statutory release?

Bernie is an inmate who has served two-thirds of his custodial sentence. The parole board denies Bernie's release and detains him in the institution until the end of his sentence. What is this decision called?

Griffiths stresses that the term "reintegration" should not be used too literally. Why not? Which aspects of reintegration contribute to this concern?

What are your views on victims appearing before the parole board when their perpetrator is being considered for conditional release? Do you agree that crime victims should a) be allowed to attend parole hearings; b) submit written or videotaped statements to the board; and/or c) speak to the board during the hearing? In your view, is there any potential for using restorative justice approaches in parole hearings?

Emma has recently been released on parole. Her parole certificate indicates that she must abstain from alcohol and drug use. What type of condition is this?

What are the most frequent problems raised by offenders facing reentry to the community?

Note the points and counterpoints that are often raised with respect to the practice of community notification.

Which statement is MOST accurate regarding the release of inmates who are designated by the sentencing judge as "long-term offenders"?

The majority of provincial/territorial and federal offenders released on parole successfully complete day parole and full parole.

Norman has recently been released on parole. His parole certificate indicates that he must obey the law, keep the peace, and be on good behaviour. What type of conditions are these?

Which statement is MOST accurate regarding the practice of community notification?

Statutory release is a decision made by the Parole Board of Canada.

Melinda has recently been released from an institution after serving a lengthy sentence. Since release she has been suffering from severe anxiety and bouts of depression, which has made it very difficult for her to adjust to life in the community. What is Melinda experiencing?

Which statement is MOST accurate regarding the decisions of parole boards?