Probation and parole are both perceived in the same line as both serve privileges to the convicts that portray a tremendous change in behavior. Probation and parole are alternatives to incarnation. However, they also differ in concepts. Probation is a suspended sentence in which the criminal does not get detained but rather serve the community under a probation agency's supervision. On the other hand, parole is a monitored release in which offenders get out before serving their jail term. Parole can be temporary or permanent. This paper expounds on the differences, advantages, and disadvantages of probation and parole.
The administration of probation and parole is different. In probation, the privilege is handed down by a judge in the courtroom during a trial. It is part of the initial process during the sentence of a trial. An offender may get probation as the sole punishment or a combination with some jail time ( Glaze & Bonczar, 2002). It comes along with some regulations which are stated by the judge. In contrast, parole applies to an offender who is already serving a jail term. Parole is administered by a parole board when the offender has been on good behavior during their sentence. When the offender receives parole, the board specifies the restrictions that they must observe.
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Offenders need probation and parole as both acts a rehabilitation. The restricted granted to the offenders serve as the medium for them to rectify their behavior. The offenders have to live up to responsibilities meant to rehabilitate them by encouraging good behavior. Besides that, offenders need probation and parole to help the offenders integrate back to society (Maruschak & Parks, 2012). As they serve their community service time, they get to blend back into society. Therefore, offenders need probation and parole to serve them a platform for getting their lives back on the right track. Notably, the concepts of probation and parole share some similarities and differences.
The concepts of probation and parole are similar in that both are granted to the offender under certain restrictions. When the offender fails to fulfill the limits, there is a provocation of privileges ( Glaze & Bonczar, 2002). Additionally, they both contain rehabilitation content for the individual who broke the law. On the other hand, the concepts are different, and each has a different goal for the offender. An offender on probation is still subject to the jurisdiction of a court. In contrast, an individual on parole is only subject to the parole board's decision. Another difference is that probation is part of a criminal sentence, while parole applies when an individual is in jail. Notably, both probation and parole carry their advantages and disadvantages.
Probation is advantageous as it gives light offenders a chance to rectify their mistake. In that, it acts as a second chance for the offender. Additionally, it allows the offender to work in the community while still earning money to support their family (Maruschak & Parks, 2012). In contrast, probation also has some disadvantages. Probation allows offenders to gets too much leeway. In that, they get to live freely when some deserve conviction. On the other hand, there are advantages of parole. Parole gives the offender the opportunity of starting their life fresh. Besides, parole reduces the population in prisons. However, parole also has its disadvantages. Some of which include there is a risk that a parolee may become a repeat offender. Another disadvantage is that it is an extra cost for the criminal justice system as constant monitoring is required.
In summary, probation and parole may seem alike, but they have some differences. Probation is handed out in a courtroom, while parole involves releasing an inmate. Both probation and parole serve as rehabilitation for the offender and gives them a second chance to start afresh. Notably, both probation and parole administration is under a set of restrictions that the offender must observe.
References
Glaze, L. E., & Bonczar, T. P. (2002). Probation and parole in the United States, 2001 . Washington, DC: US Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Statistics.
Maruschak, L. M., & Parks, E. (2012). Probation and parole in the United States, 2011. Washington, DC: US Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Bureau of Justice Statistics , 21.
