CAPPS has long recommended a series of reforms to the parole process that would enhance the objectivity, fairness and transparency of parole decision-making. These include restoring the prisoner’s right to appeal parole denials, just as prosecutors can appeal parole grants. The availability of judicial review is critical to enforcing statutory parole guidelines and any statutory presumption of parole at the minimum sentence. Other proposed reforms include: accurately weight parole guidelines factors that predict re-offense risk, improve the review process for parolable lifers, and restore medical paroles. We have also developed a “flow chart” to help you understand the process for both non-lifers and lifers.
