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American exceptionalism in parole release and supervision: a European perspective

Van Zyl Smit, Dirk; Corda, Alessandro

Authors

Dirk Van Zyl Smit

Alessandro Corda



Contributors

Kevin R. Reiitz
Editor

Abstract

This chapter focuses on American exceptionalism in parole release and supervision. It first establishes a clear understanding of what is meant by granting parole and parole supervision in the United States and Europe within the respective sentencing schemes and then gives a comparative statistical picture. The chapter then considers the history of parole on both sides of the Atlantic, before examining and comparing current policies in the United States and Europe in more detail. The principal finding is that European parole, unlike its American counterparts, is dominated by a discourse that stresses and highlights human dignity and procedural justice rather than public safety. In the American discourse, by contrast, there is less emphasis on the rights of parolees. Parole decision-making and supervision are mainly shaped by risk aversion. To conclude, this chapter reflects on whether European ideals for parole may take root in the United States.

Citation

Van Zyl Smit, D., & Corda, A. (2017). American exceptionalism in parole release and supervision: a European perspective. In K. R. Reiitz (Ed.), American Exceptionalism in Crime and Punishment (410-486). Oxford: Oxford University Press. https://doi.org/10.1093/oso/9780190203542.001.0001

Acceptance Date May 3, 2016
Publication Date Dec 21, 2017
Deposit Date Jul 14, 2016
Publicly Available Date Mar 29, 2024
Publisher Oxford University Press
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Pages 410-486
Book Title American Exceptionalism in Crime and Punishment
Chapter Number 10
ISBN 9780190203542
DOI https://doi.org/10.1093/oso/9780190203542.001.0001
Keywords parole release; parole; parole supervision; United States; Europe; sentencing scheme; history or parole; European parole; American parole
Public URL https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/791655
Publisher URL http://www.oxfordscholarship.com/view/10.1093/oso/9780190203542.001.0001/oso-9780190203542
Related Public URLs https://global.oup.com/academic/product/american-exceptionalism-in-crime-and-punishment-9780190203542?cc=gb&lang=en&#