Mini-Paper: Probation and Parole Assignment
Rebecca Jordan
Liberty University, Helms School of Government
CJUS 320: Corrections
Professor Gerald Green
June 22, 2025
Mini-Paper: Probation and Parole Assignment
Probation and parole represent two pivotal components of the criminal justice system,
both designed to rehabilitate offenders and mitigate recidivism, albeit functioning at distinct
phases of the legal process.
Probation is defined as the conditional release of a convicted offender into the
community under the supervision of a probation officer (Schmalleger & Smykla, 2021). This
legal mechanism serves as a judicially mandated alternative to incarceration, with its origins
tracing back to the Middle Ages in England. It was initially introduced to provide offenders with
an opportunity for rehabilitation while simultaneously safeguarding public safety. Upon the
granting of probation by a judge, the offender is permitted to serve their sentence within the
community rather than in a correctional facility. This method effectively diminishes the stigma
and institutionalization typically associated with imprisonment, presenting a more humane and
costefficient alternative, while maintaining a degree of effectiveness comparable to traditional
incarceration (Schmalleger & Smykla, 2021). Furthermore, probation advocates for the
equitable treatment of offenders whose criminal behavior does not necessitate confinement,
emphasizing rehabilitation and social reintegration over punitive measures. Typically, probation
entails regular monitoring by a probation officer, who ensures that the offender complies with
specified conditions, such as participating in counseling, performing community service, or
obtaining stable employment. The primary objective of probation extends beyond the
imposition of a penalty; it strives to facilitate the offender’s successful reintegration into society,
thereby reducing the probability of reoffending.
Parole is an essential aspect of the criminal justice system, representing a form of
supervised release that occurs after an individual has completed a significant portion of their
prison sentence. The concept emerged in the 18th century, with Massachusetts enacting the
first parole legislation in the United States in 1837, based on the belief that inmates can be
rehabilitated and successfully reintegrated into society.
There are two main types of parole: discretionary release and mandatory release.
Discretionary release is granted when a paroling authority assesses an inmate's eligibility for
early release based on several factors, including behavior during incarceration, participation in
rehabilitation programs, and perceived risks of reoffending. In contrast, mandatory release
occurs after an inmate has served a predetermined amount of time as specified by law,
irrespective of their conduct or rehabilitation efforts while incarcerated (Schmalleger & Smykla,
2021). Once granted parole, individuals are allowed to reintegrate into society under the
supervision of a parole officer. This role is vital for providing guidance and support while
ensuring compliance with legal requirements. Parolees must adhere to specific conditions that
facilitate their adjustment to life outside prison. Common conditions include regular check-ins
with their parole officer, mandatory reporting of any interactions with law enforcement,
participation in drug testing, maintaining stable employment, restrictions on weapon
ownership, and limitations on travel. The primary purpose of parole is to create a gradual and
supportive transition from incarceration to full freedom, aiding offenders in adjusting to life
outside of prison while holding them accountable for their actions. This structured approach
aims to reduce recidivism rates by fostering personal responsibility and encouraging positive
contributions to the community (Maier et al., n.d.). Through these measures, the parole system
seeks to protect society while promoting the successful rehabilitation and reintegration of
former inmates.
The Bible does not specifically address modern concepts of parole and probation, but it
offers important principles about justice, mercy, and restoration that connect to these ideas. It
emphasizes forgiveness, second chances, and community support, all of which are vital to our
understanding and implementation of parole and probation today. For example, Deuteronomy
16:20 states, “You must follow what is completely just so that you may live and enjoy the land
the Lord your God is giving you” (King James Version, 1982). This verse highlights the necessity
of a fair justice system that holds individuals accountable for their actions while ensuring they
are treated with respect and dignity. In the context of parole and probation, this principle
advocates for a balanced approach to justice. It suggests that people can change and become
responsible members of society if they receive support and opportunities for rehabilitation. This
perspective can guide policymakers and practitioners in developing systems that not only punish
but also assist individuals in reintegrating into their communities.
In summary, probation and parole are two different parts of the criminal justice system
that happen at different times. Probation lets an offender serve their sentence in the
community instead of prison, following rules set by a judge. Parole allows someone to leave
prison early after serving part of their sentence, with oversight from a parole board (Maier et
al., n.d.). The rules for parole are usually stricter since the person has already been in prison.
Both probation and parole focus on supervising offenders to help them adjust to life outside
while keeping the public safe. Each offender has a supervising officer who checks that they
follow the rules. If someone breaks the terms of probation or parole, they could face serious
consequences, including returning to prison or jail. This system encourages compliance with the
rules and supports the successful reintegration of offenders into society while following biblical
principles.
References
Maier, W. B., PhD, Maier, K., M, W., & Edwards, T. D. (n.d.). Community corrections,
probation, and parole. Introduction to Criminal Justice.
https://openwa.pressbooks.pub/criminaljustice1/chapter/chapter-10-community-
correctionsprobation-and-parole/
Schmalleger, F., & Smykla, J. O. (2017). Corrections in the 21st Century. (8th ed.). New
York, NY: McGraw-Hill Education.
The Holy Bible: New King James Version. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers,
1982.
