Warning
Info
Warning
Info
Simple English definitions for legal terms
Parole
Read a random definition: international application designating the United States
A quick definition of Parole:
Parole: When someone breaks the law and goes to prison, they may be allowed to leave before their sentence is finished. This is called parole. But, they have to follow certain rules and be watched by a special person called a parole officer. If they don't follow the rules, they might have to go back to prison. The rules can include things like getting a job, not using drugs or alcohol, and not hurting anyone. A group of people called a parole board decides if someone can be paroled and what rules they have to follow.
A more thorough explanation:
Parole is when a prisoner is released from jail before they finish their sentence. But, they have to follow certain rules and be supervised by a parole officer. If they break the rules, they can be sent back to jail.
For example, a person who is on parole might have to get a job, stay away from drugs and alcohol, not commit any more crimes, and check in with their parole officer regularly. If they break any of these rules, they might have to go back to jail.
It's important to know that prisoners don't have a right to parole. A group of people called a parole board decides if someone can be released on parole and what rules they have to follow. The rules for parole are different depending on where you live.
One example of a parole violation might be if someone on parole gets into a fight and hurts someone. They could be sent back to jail for breaking the rules. But, if they just got a traffic ticket, they probably wouldn't be sent back to jail.