Parole

Page 1: Presenter Information

  • Reynaldo M. Esmeralda, RCrim., MSCrim., JD

  • Date: 10/30/2024

Page 2: Parole Process Overview

  • Processes involved:

    • Petition, review, and evaluation by BJMP and BUCOR

    • Investigation of the petition

    • Grant or denial of parole by BPP

    • Supervision and monitoring process

    • Violations of conditions

    • Changes in conditions, if any

    • Suspension or revocation of parole

    • Arrest of parolees for violations

    • Early discharge and release of parolees

  • Roles involved:

    • Parole officer

    • Victim/complainant in the process

Page 3: Definition of Parole

  • Parole: Conditional release from a correctional institution after serving part of a sentence.

  • Minimum Sentence: Must serve the minimum imposable penalty.

  • Executive Role: Granted by the Board of Pardons and Parole (BPP).

Page 4: Origin of Parole

  • Etymology: From French "parol" (voice, spoken words).

  • Historical Roots: Associated with prisoner releases based on promises or word of honor (Parole d'honneur).

Page 5: Justifications of Parole

    1. Reward for good prison conduct.

    1. Post-release supervision.

    1. Release from an indeterminate sentence.

    1. Cost reduction for incarceration.

Page 6: Protocol for Release on Parole

  • Criteria for Release by the Board of Pardons and Parole:

    • Prisoner has served the minimum penalty.

    • The prisoner is deemed fit through training.

    • Reasonable probability of lawful behavior post-release.

    • Release is compatible with societal welfare.

Page 7: Parole vs. Probation

  • Parole:

    • Administrative function by the executive branch.

    • For offenders who served time in prison, supervised by executive.

  • Probation:

    • Judicial function by courts.

    • For offenders who may not have served jail time, supervised by probation officers.

Page 8: Detailed Comparison of Parole and Probation

  • Parole:

    • Granted only after a minimum sentence.

    • Extension of institutional punishment.

    • Granted by BPP, supervised by parole officers.

  • Probation:

    • Granted immediately after conviction.

    • Substitutes imprisonment.

    • Issued by the court, supervised by probation officers.

Page 9: Further Comparison between Parole and Probation

    1. Release Certifications:

    • Parole: Certificate of Final Release and Discharge issued by the Board.

    • Probation: Certificate of Final Discharge issued by the court.

    1. Timing:

    • Parole granted after minimum sentence.

    • Probation granted after conviction.

    1. Re-granting:

    • Parole can be granted after serving part of the maximum sentence.

    • Probation granted only once.

Page 10: Alexander Maconochie

  • Contribution: Developed the early parole system in 1840.

  • Context: Superintendent of British penal colonies at Norfolk Island, Australia.

  • Legacy: Known as the Father of Modern Penology and Parole.

Page 11: Maconochie's Influence

  • Notoriety of Norfolk: Known for housing highly incorrigible prisoners.

Page 12: The Mark System by Maconochie

  • A system requiring prisoners to earn marks through labor and study for conditional release;

  • Seen as a precursor to modern-day parole.

Page 13: The Mark System Explained

  • Provided conditional leave based on good conduct with revocable terms.

  • A significant forerunner to today's parole systems.

Page 14: System of Grades

  • Three Grades:

    • First two involved rewards for good behavior.

    • Third grade allowed conditional liberty; violation resulted in return to prison.

Page 15: Walter Crofton

  • Noted as an Irish prison reformer; introduced the concept of parole.

  • Built upon Maconochie's mark system.

Page 16: Crofton's Irish System

  • Structure: Involved levels of control leading to parole.

  • Offenders could earn marks toward tickets of leave; supervision was implemented through police oversight.

Page 17: Three Grade Classification in the Irish System

  • Initial classification occurred upon admission; good conduct allowed for promotions.

  • Monthly reporting was required from parolees.

Page 18: Zebulon Brockway

  • Introduced parole to the U.S. at the Elmira Reformatory in 1876.

  • Advocated indeterminate sentencing alongside parole supervision.

Page 19: Brockway's Philosophy

  • Believed in the potential for reform and individualized treatment for each prisoner.

Page 20: John Howard

  • Recognized as the father of prison reform in the United States, while Brockway championed parole.

Page 21: Parole in the Philippines

  • Established by the Indeterminate Sentence Law (Act No. 4103) on December 5, 1933.

  • Administrative Authority: Board of Pardons and Parole.

Page 22: Indeterminate Sentence Law Explained

  • Requires courts to assign both minimum and maximum penalties.

  • Aims to rehabilitate prisoners and reduce unnecessary confinement.

Page 23: Additional Purposes of the Law

  • Facilitates prisoner rehabilitation under a parole officer.

  • Helps manage prison populations and save costs for the government.

Page 24: Coverage of Parole

  • General Rule: Applies to all persons convicted of specific crimes under Philippine courts.

Page 25: Key Case Law - People v. Asturias

  • Ruled that reclusion perpetua is synonymous with life imprisonment; parole applies only to divisible penalties.

Page 26: Ineligibility for Parole

  • Categories of individuals who cannot be granted parole:

    • Sentences of one year or less.

    • Straight penalties without a minimum.

    • Indivisible penalties.

Page 27: Exceptions to the Indeterminate Sentence Law

  • Situations where the Indeterminate Sentence Law does not apply, e.g., death penalty, treason, habitual delinquents.

Page 28: Continued Exceptions to Indeterminate Sentence Law

  • Further exclusions for escaped prisoners, those violating conditional pardons, and sentences not exceeding one year.

Page 29: Additional Disqualifications for Parole

  • Individuals with serious offenses, habitual delinquents, those who have violated conditions of a prior pardon, and those with pending cases.

Page 30: More Disqualifications for Parole

  • Exclusions for mental health issues, reclusion perpetua convictions, and serious crimes like terrorism.

Page 31: Final Categories of Disqualifications

  • Extended disqualifications for violent or serious crimes, habitual offenders, and those in appeal.

Page 32: Eligibility Criteria for Parole

  • Conditions that must be met for a prisoner to be eligible for parole consideration:

    • Must be serving an indeterminate sentence greater than one year.

    • Must have served the minimum sentence and exhibit potential for lawfulness if released.

Page 33: Rule for Parole Case Review

  • Inmate eligibility based on factors including final conviction and absence of pending cases; conditions of imprisonment apply.

Page 34: Application of Indeterminate Sentence Law

  • Applicable to Revised Penal Code and Special Penal Laws.

Page 35: Deriving Maximum Indeterminate Sentence

  • Procedures for determining the maximum penal term based on aggravating and mitigating factors.

Page 36: Adjusting Minimum Sentence

  • Minimum sentence derivation excludes aggravating concerns unless privileged circumstances are present.

Page 37: Application of Special Penal Laws

  • Rules related to maximum and minimum terms as per special laws; flexibility in the indeterminate sentencing process.

Page 38: Special Law Guidelines

  • Special laws dictate penalty limits; circumstances do not necessarily apply unless specified.

Page 39: Example Case Study

  • Case Summary: Adam's involvement in a fatal dispute leading to a homicide charge under Article 249 of the RPC and consideration for minimum sentence.

Page 40: Continuation of Example

  • Detailed circumstances of Adam's case for moral and legal context; exploring required minimum sentencing for parole eligibility.

Page 41: Filing of Parole Petition

  • Petition Requirements: Addressed to Board's Chair/E.D. Must include detailed data about the prisoner and grounds for clemency.

Page 42: Contents of Parole Petition

  • Specific information required, including background and legal circumstances of the individual prisoner.

Page 43: Grant of Parole

  • Board Responsibility: Parole granted with a finding of reasonable probability of lawful behavior post-release.

Page 44: National Prisoner Confined in Local Jail

  • Limits on national prisoners serving sentences in local jails unless conditions justify this confinement.

Page 45: Definitions of National Prisoners

  • Clarifies who qualifies as a national prisoner and circumstances under which parole eligibility is assessed.

Page 46: Parole for Aliens

  • Guidelines for granting parole to alien prisoners; procedures for disposition managed by the Bureau of Immigration.

Page 47: Publication of Eligible Prisoners

  • Mandated publication of names of prisoners eligible for clemency or parole for public awareness and transparency.

Page 48: Parole Supervision

  • Requires supervision by a Probation and Parole Officer aimed at guiding rehabilitation after release.

Page 49: Board Action and Protocol

  • Board actions require majority votes; details on recommendations for grants, arrests, and discharge certifications.

Page 50: Board Meeting Minutes

  • Documenting votes and reasons for decisions helps maintain transparency and accountability in the process.

Page 51: Release Document Definition

  • Official documentation issued for the release of a prisoner under parole.

Page 52: Release Document Specifications

  • Must include personal information of the prisoner and be transmitted properly to relevant authorities.

Page 53: Parole Application Flowchart

  • The process for parole applications from petition to board interview.

Page 54: Additional Flowchart Steps

  • Continued flow of actions involving objections, publication, and recommendation processes.

Page 55: Violations and Revocation Processes

  • Outline of actions taken if parole conditions are violated, including violations reports and potential arrests.

Page 56: Initial Reporting Requirements

  • Obligations of parolees to report themselves to the assigned officer within specified time frames.

Page 57: Arrival Reporting Duties

  • Expected reporting details by the Parole Officer to ensure compliance and accountability.

Page 58: Summary Report Responsibilities

  • This report captures the conduct of the parolee during the supervisory period; important for final discharge checks.

Page 59: Violation Report Details

  • Clear definitions for various reports related to infractions and subsequent judicial considerations.

Page 60: Arrest Procedures for Violations

  • Process for arresting or recommitting clients based on infraction reports.

Page 61: Conditions for Residence Transfers

  • Mandatory approvals required for parolee's change of residence, ensuring tracking and supervision.

Page 62: Travel Permissions

  • Outlining protocols and authorizations required for parolees to travel outside their jurisdiction.

Page 63: Board Oversight

  • Different responsibilities of the Board and its officials in managing parole applications and conditions.

Page 64: Overseas Work or Travel Process

  • Preconditions for parolees to apply for international opportunities, subject to oversight by the Board.

Page 65: Client Death Protocols

  • Required actions upon the death of a client during supervision; documentation necessities.

Page 66: Sanctions for Parole Violation

  • Overview of penalties for violating parole conditions, including incarceration for the unserved portion.

Page 67: Review and Modification Conditions

  • Enforcements to uphold compliance while providing avenues for adjustment of conditions if warranted.

Page 68: Recommitment Effect

  • Recommitted clients must complete the unexpired duration originally designated for their sentence.

Page 69: Cancellation of Parole

  • Grounds on which the Board may revoke or cancel parole privileges based on misrepresented facts.

Page 70: Review of Recommitted Parolee Cases

  • Conditions under which recommitted parolees may be considered for new parole applications.

Page 71: Final Release and Discharge Certificate

  • Guidelines for issuing certificates upon meeting regulatory expectations of parole compliance.

Page 72: Entitlement for Final Release

  • Criteria determining if a prisoner is lawfully discharged after surveillance period.

Page 73: Effect of Release Document Issuance

  • Immediate impact of the release certificate on the parolee's legal and supervisory obligations.

Page 74: Document Transmittal Procedures

  • Details on the distribution of the final release documents to various authorities for legal compliance.

Presenter Information

Name: Reynaldo M. Esmeralda, RCrim., MSCrim., JDDate: 10/30/2024

Parole Process Overview

  • Processes: Petition, review by BJMP and BUCOR, investigation, grant/denial by BPP, monitoring, violations, revocation, arrests, early discharge.

  • Roles: Parole officer, victim/complainant.

Definition of Parole

  • Parole: Conditional release after serving part of a sentence, granted by the BPP.

  • Minimum Sentence: Must serve the minimum imposable penalty.

Origin of Parole

  • Etymology: From the French word "parol" (voice).

  • Historical Roots: Based on promises of honor for prisoner releases.

Justifications of Parole

  • Rewards for good conduct, post-release supervision, release from indeterminate sentences, and cost reduction.

Protocol for Release on Parole

  • Criteria: Minimum penalty served, deemed fit, probability of lawful behavior, compatibility with societal welfare.

Parole vs. Probation

  • Parole: For those who served prison time, supervised by the executive branch.

  • Probation: For those who may not have served time, supervised by courts.

Key Historical Figures

  • Alexander Maconochie: Developed early parole system in 1840; Father of Modern Penology.

  • Walter Crofton: Introduced the concept of parole in Ireland based on Maconochie's system.

  • Zebulon Brockway: Brought parole to the U.S. in 1876; advocated for indeterminate sentencing.

Parole in the Philippines

  • Established by Indeterminate Sentence Law (Act No. 4103) on Dec 5, 1933.

  • Ineligibility: Categories include sentences of one year or less, indivisible penalties, serious offenses.

Parole Application and Revocation

  • Petition: Must be detailed; requires board review.

  • Revocation: Driven by violations, with set procedures for addressing and documenting infractions.

Final Release Guidelines

  • Release certificates issued after compliance; significance documented for legal purposes.

Presenter Information

Name: Reynaldo M. Esmeralda, RCrim., MSCrim., JDDate: 10/30/2024

Parole Process Overview

  • Processes: Petition, review by BJMP and BUCOR, investigation, grant/denial by BPP, monitoring, violations, revocation, arrests, early discharge.

  • Roles: Parole officer, victim/complainant.

Definition of Parole

  • Parole: Conditional release after serving part of a sentence, granted by the BPP.

  • Minimum Sentence: Must serve the minimum imposable penalty.

Origin of Parole

  • Etymology: From the French word "parol" (voice).

  • Historical Roots: Based on promises of honor for prisoner releases.

Justifications of Parole

  • Rewards for good conduct, post-release supervision, release from indeterminate sentences, and cost reduction.

Protocol for Release on Parole

  • Criteria: Minimum penalty served, deemed fit, probability of lawful behavior, compatibility with societal welfare.

Parole vs. Probation

  • Parole: For those who served prison time, supervised by the executive branch.

  • Probation: For those who may not have served time, supervised by courts.

Key Historical Figures

  • Alexander Maconochie: Developed early parole system in 1840; Father of Modern Penology.

  • Walter Crofton: Introduced the concept of parole in Ireland based on Maconochie's system.

  • Zebulon Brockway: Brought parole to the U.S. in 1876; advocated for indeterminate sentencing.

Parole in the Philippines

  • Established by Indeterminate Sentence Law (Act No. 4103) on Dec 5, 1933.

  • Ineligibility: Categories include sentences of one year or less, indivisible penalties, serious offenses.

Parole Application and Revocation

  • Petition: Must be detailed; requires board review.

  • Revocation: Driven by violations, with set procedures for addressing and documenting infractions.

Final Release Guidelines

  • Release certificates issued after compliance; significance documented for legal purposes.

Presenter Information

Name: Reynaldo M. Esmeralda, RCrim., MSCrim., JDDate: 10/30/2024

Parole Process Overview

  • Processes: Petition, review by BJMP and BUCOR, investigation, grant/denial by BPP, monitoring, violations, revocation, arrests, early discharge.

  • Roles: Parole officer, victim/complainant.

Definition of Parole

  • Parole: Conditional release after serving part of a sentence, granted by the BPP.

  • Minimum Sentence: Must serve the minimum imposable penalty.

Origin of Parole

  • Etymology: From the French word "parol" (voice).

  • Historical Roots: Based on promises of honor for prisoner releases.

Justifications of Parole

  • Rewards for good conduct, post-release supervision, release from indeterminate sentences, and cost reduction.

Protocol for Release on Parole

  • Criteria: Minimum penalty served, deemed fit, probability of lawful behavior, compatibility with societal welfare.

Parole vs. Probation

  • Parole: For those who served prison time, supervised by the executive branch.

  • Probation: For those who may not have served time, supervised by courts.

Key Historical Figures

  • Alexander Maconochie: Developed early parole system in 1840; Father of Modern Penology.

  • Walter Crofton: Introduced the concept of parole in Ireland based on Maconochie's system.

  • Zebulon Brockway: Brought parole to the U.S. in 1876; advocated for indeterminate sentencing.

Parole in the Philippines

  • Established by Indeterminate Sentence Law (Act No. 4103) on Dec 5, 1933.

  • Ineligibility: Categories include sentences of one year or less, indivisible penalties, serious offenses.

Parole Application and Revocation

  • Petition: Must be detailed; requires board review.

  • Revocation: Driven by violations, with set procedures for addressing and documenting infractions.

Final Release Guidelines

  • Release certificates issued after compliance; significance documented for legal purposes.

Aggravating Factors: These are circumstances that increase the severity or culpability of a crime and can lead to longer sentences. Examples include:

  • Previous criminal record

  • Use of violence or weapons during the crime

  • Harm caused to victims

  • Committing the crime in a particularly cruel or heinous manner

Mitigating Factors: These are circumstances that may decrease the severity of a sentence or the culpability of the offender. Examples include:

  • Lack of prior criminal history

  • Mental illness or diminished capacity

  • The offender's age (for instance, being a minor)

  • Acts of remorse or cooperation with authorities

  • Situational context, like being compelled to commit the crime under duress.