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Determinate Sentence, Abolition of Parole, and the Office of a Justice Coordinator

NCJ Number
73170
Journal
Journal of Probation and Parole Volume: 12 Dated: (Fall 1980) Pages: 55-68
Author(s)
R D Pursley
Date Published
1980
Length
14 pages
Annotation
Given the trend toward determinate sentencing and the attendant abolition of parole, suggestions are offered for how current parole personnel could be used in a new office of justice coordinator.
Abstract
Determinate sentencing is a growing trend which is designed to make sentence lengths less arbitrary and more uniform. Under such a sentencing system, parole would be abolished, and 'good time' would be automatically deducted from the trial sentence. Since parole personnel are among the most educated correctional personnel, they should certainly continue working in the correctional system in new ways that would draw upon their experience. As justice coordinators, they could develop presentence reports that would be relied upon heavily by judges in presentence hearings. This would free probation officers, who now develop presentence reports, to do more supervising. The justice coordinator, drawing from his/her correctional experience in parole, could also be used in counseling-casework, administrative review, administrative services, and in research applications. Justice coordinators could provide some important services to policymakers as well. The Justice Coordinator's Office could serve as a legislative oversight agency to monitor the administration of justice and would have the authority of the legislature for conducting inquiries and monitoring overall criminal justice operations. Footnotes are provided.

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