Letter: Parole reforms would be worthwhile
to the editor
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Letter writer says, 'Two bills pending in the New York state Legislature would, I believe, further justice. A bill dealing with “elder parole,” S15 and A3475, would allow prisoners 55 or older to be eligible for parole after serving 15 years. The other bill, S1415 and A4231, would make changes in the parole process.'
Two bills pending in the New York state Legislature would, I believe, further justice.
A bill dealing with “elder parole,” S15 and A3475, would allow prisoners 55 or older to be eligible for parole after serving 15 years. The other bill, S1415 and A4231, would make changes in the parole process. The original wording around parole — "discretionary release on parole shall not be granted merely as a reward for good conduct or efficient performance of duties while confined” — often meant only the original crime counted, no matter education gained, workshops completed, remorse felt, growth of consciousness, compassion. The now pending bill says, instead, someone is eligible for release unless there’s “a current and unreasonable risk the person will violate the law if released.”