What does the term 'parole' refer to in the criminal justice system?

The term 'parole' refers to the conditional release of a prisoner before they have served their entire sentence, under specified supervision and guidelines. This means that while the individual is no longer incarcerated, they must adhere to certain conditions set by the parole board, such as meeting regularly with a parole officer, maintaining employment, and avoiding criminal activity. If these conditions are violated, the individual may be subject to re-incarceration.

This practice allows for reintegration into society while still monitoring the individual's behavior to ensure public safety. Parole is distinct from other legal processes, such as having a new trial or being released unconditionally, which do not carry the same level of oversight or conditions as parole does. Additionally, it does not involve the extension of prison sentences as punitive measures, distinguishing parole further from negative or punitive approaches within the justice system.