Parole: Pros And Cons Of The English Criminal Law

Introduction The origin of probation can be traced to English criminal law of the Middle Ages. During the time of King Henry VIII, for instance, no less than 200 crimes were punishable by death, many of which were minor offenses. Eventually, the courts began the practice of "binding over for good behavior," a form of temporary release during which offenders could take measures to secure pardons or lesser sentences. John Augustus, the "Father of Probation," is recognized as the first true probation officer. Augustus was born in Woburn, Massachusetts in 1785. The meaning of probation being the release of an offender from detention, subject to a period of good behavior under supervision. The meaning of parole is the release of a prisoner temporarily (for a special purpose) or permanently before the completion of a sentence, on the promise of good behavior.

Pros

It permits judges to make discretionary decisions about an individual 's ability to function in society, giving them more options than simply sending an offender to prison. Probation is a system of "second chances" that simultaneously maintains monitoring mechanisms over would-be criminals. It provides individuals a chance to redeem themselves, but monitors their behavior and progress to prevent them from committing crimes again.

Parole is the early release of convicts from prison, prior to the completion of their given sentence. Parole is issued based on good behavior or the parole board 's determination that the convict has been sufficiently reformed to re-enter society. Therein lies its foremost advantage: the provision of fresh opportunity and the chance to start anew for criminals. It is also advantageous to the public to reduce the number of people incarcerated, which can cost tens of thousands of dollars per prisoner per year. Furthermore, reducing incarceration rates is conducive to a free, democratic