Can Parole Be Rehabilitated?

The Sentencing Project hosted a national dialogue on whether the parole system can be “rehabilitated.” Inspired by Ben Austen’s new book, Correction: Parole, Prison and the Possibility of Change, panelists discussed the history and intent of parole and how it has evolved over the decades based on research and personal experiences. Panelists also discussed whether this system can be rehabilitated, or whether states should look to enacting second look judicial resentencing legislation instead. Lastly, concepts of restorative justice and how to engage victims in a trauma-informed way were highlighted.

Panelists included:

• Ben Austen, Journalist from Chicago and the author of Correction: Parole, Prison, and the Possibility of Change
• Lisa D. Daniels, Founder and Executive Director of the Darren B. Easterling Center for Restorative Practices
• Michelle Lewin, Executive Director, Parole Prep Project
• Anthony Muhammad, Advisor, ACLU of Maryland/Maryland Parole Partnership

This discussion was moderated by Becky Feldman, Director of the Second Look Network at The Sentencing Project.