This literature review highlights four important points regarding parole release decisionmaking. First, much of the scholarly research on parole release decisionmaking is more than 20 years old and may be irrelevant to contemporary parole board policies and practices in the United States. Second, institutional behavior, incarceration length, crime severity, criminal history, mental illness, and victim input are among the most influential factors affecting parole release for parole-eligible inmates. In particular, victim input against parole release remains highly significant in explaining denial of parole. Lastly, an inmate’s education, gender, and age may also have a significant influence on parole release dispositions. This review of empirical research is intended to improve understanding of the dynamics of parole release decisionmaking and to inform initiatives to make parole processes more effective and efficient by, for example encouraging evaluations and detailed assessments of current parole practices in the United States. Future research and evaluation is recommended regarding parole release decisionmaking at a general policy level which can result in a more clear and equitable system for both victims and inmates. References