1. The links below take you to articles that favor and opposethe system of discretionary prisoner release also known asparole. Under such a system, the offender is sentenced to aminimum and maximum term of incarceration, and release before theend of the sentence is determined by a parole board. Offendersreleased on parole remain under community supervision until the endof their sentences, unless they violate parole and are revoked andreincarcerated. Approximately 16 states have abolisheddiscretionary parole and replaced it with determinate sentencing:the offender serves a fixed sentence and is automatically releasedto community supervision.
After you read the articles post your comments, and specificallydiscuss whether you favor discretionary release or automaticrelease. Please explain your choice.
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/28/opinion/nyregionopinions/28CTmeyers.html
http://www.prisontalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=310461
http://www.nyspef.org/fact_sheets/old2001/peffactsheetparole.htm
http://law.jrank.org/pages/9041/Parole.html
2. Whether or not you like it, or agree with it, prisoners havecertain legal rights. This link takes you to a good summary ofthese rights:
http://www.answers.com/topic/prisoners-rights
Please read the summary and answer these questions:
Do you think that prisoners have too many rights, or do they havejust enough rights to guard against cruel and unusual punishment?Please explain your answer.
If you think that prisoners have too many rights, which would youtake away, and why?
A word of caution: do not confuse rights with privileges.
3.http://www.famm.org/Repository/Files/Alternatives%20in%20a%20Nutshell%207.30.09%5B1%5DFINAL.pdf
http://ca.lwv.org/jj/alternat.htm
The reports at the above links discuss alternatives toincarceration for adult and juvenile offenders. After youread the reports, evaluate the programs, and, as a team, andrecommend the adoption of three programs. Explain and supportyour recommendations.





