Parole can be defined as the conditional release of a prisoner from incarceration under supervision after a portion of the sentence has been served, (Champion, Dean J., p. 413). Only about 58% of parolees successfully complete their parole period, and the figures are much worse if the convict gets out of prison the hard way, by doing their whole sentence behind bars. Year and year of statistics have shown that among inmates who max out, over two-thirds of them will be re-arrested within three years. Parole used to be the normal course of events, but more and more inmates are exiting correctional facilities after serving all the time they were sentenced to. (Tonry Michael).
The history of parole is not unique in the United States. Early release of offenders from prison for various reasons, especially reform and rehabilitation, occurred in sixteenth century France and Spain and also in England and Wales. Since most colonists in America originated from England and Wales, these countries have been most influential on the subsequent establishment of parole systems in the United States. After the Revolutionary War, Great Britain directed numerous prisoners to be transported to remote islands near Australia. Two of these islands were Norfolk and Van Diemen's Land. In 1836, the lieutenant governor of Van Diemen's Land appointed Alexander Maconochie, a formal naval officer, as his private secretary. Four years later, Maconochie was appointed superintendent of a penal colony located on Norfolk Island. He observed the extensive use of corporal punishment initially assumed in his new duties. Maconochie also came up with the marks of commendation, later called the mark system, now called good time credits for prisoners who obey rules in prison, (Champion, Dean J., p. 413). .
In America, parole evolved more by accident than design. It is a privilege rather than a right. Parolees are placed under supervision, and conditions are imposed on their behavior.