STRANGE SCIENCE: SUBJECTIVE CRITERIA IN PAROLE DECISIONS

Abstract

ABSTRACT The factors used by a local level parole panel in achieving its decisions are explored. Essentially, acceptance by the panel was a two-stage process in which applicants were first judged “deserving” of parole, and then conditions were fashioned in order to curb recidivism. Decisions were based on a number of mitigating and aggravating factors, including an applicant's perceived level of culpability and county of residence. In addition, three general processes emerged: sponsorship of particular offenders by individuals who advocated parole, reliance on ‘magic’ variables to explain and influence votes, and attempts to formulate appropriate responses to unknown future actions by others in the justice system.