Parole

A conditional release from prison of a person who has served some of a sentence in prison. One cannot be sentenced directly to parole, and parole decisions are made by the executive branch with the opportunity for input from the sentencing judge.

To release a convict from prison before his or her term is complete. Release is often conditional on good behavior.

Supervised release of a prisoner from imprisonment on certain prescribed conditions which entitle him to relief from a prison sentence.

The Sentencing Reform Act of 1984 abolished parole. Offenders whose crimes were committed on or after November 1, 1987, are sentenced by the court under guideline sentencing procedures established by the United States Sentencing Commission.