Alarid 2015 Introduces The Concept Of Medical Parole
Alarid 2015 Introduces The Concept Of Medical Parole In Chapter 3 T
Alarid (2015) introduces the concept of medical parole in Chapter 3. This is the idea that if an individual is serving a lengthy prison sentence and develops a long-term or terminal illness, he or she can be released into a community setting instead of remaining in prison, provided that a risk assessment determines that individual will not pose a threat to the community (Alarid, 2015). Review the case study examples on page 56 of your textbook, and discuss whether or not you feel those individuals should be released on medical parole. What factors into your decision? Think about the victims, the cost of incarceration, prison overcrowding, and any other factors you feel are pertinent when developing your opinion.
Paper For Above instruction
The concept of medical parole, as introduced by Alarid (2015), presents a nuanced approach to criminal justice and correctional management by considering the health of inmates and the societal implications of prolonged incarceration. This paper critically evaluates whether inmates with long-term or terminal illnesses should be granted medical parole, integrating various factors such as victim considerations, incarceration costs, prison overcrowding, and ethical concerns.
Medical parole is grounded in the idea that inmates who are severely ill may no longer pose a threat to society and that continued imprisonment in such cases might be unnecessary or even inhumane. When analyzing whether an inmate should qualify for medical parole, several criteria must be evaluated. These include the severity and prognosis of the illness, the inmate's history and risk of reoffending, the safety of the community, and the potential benefits of releasing the inmate into a community setting with appropriate medical care.
One critical factor in this decision-making process is the safety of victims and the community. For offenders convicted of violent crimes, particularly those involving victim harm, the risk of reoffending, even if reduced by illness, must be carefully assessed. For instance, in the case studies discussed on page 56 of the textbook, the nature of the crimes committed by the inmates and their current health status play a significant role. If an inmate's risk of violence or reoffense remains high, releasing them might pose a danger to public safety, overriding considerations related to their health.
Conversely, the costs of incarceration are substantial, both economically and socially. The financial burden of long-term imprisonment for inmates suffering from terminal illnesses can drain correctional budgets, diverting resources from other essential areas such as rehabilitation programs or victim services. Furthermore, prison overcrowding exacerbates the challenges faced by correctional facilities, leading to increased tension, reduced safety, and diminished access to medical care for all inmates. In such contexts, medical parole can serve as a strategic tool to alleviate overcrowding and direct medical resources more effectively.
The ethical considerations surrounding medical parole are profound. Incarceration policies must balance the rights of inmates to humane treatment and the moral obligation of society to protect its citizens. Granting medical parole in appropriate cases aligns with principles of compassion and dignity, recognizing that individuals should not be subjected to inhumane conditions when suffering from terminal illnesses. It also raises questions about fairness and equality, particularly for inmates with varying access to healthcare and differing health challenges.
Another important aspect is the potential for medical parole to be used as a mitigator during sentencing or parole hearings, which can impact public perceptions of justice. Transparency in risk assessment processes and strict criteria for eligibility are essential to ensure that medical parole decisions are both fair and justifiable, maintaining public trust in the criminal justice system.
Additionally, advances in medical technology and palliative care have improved the management of terminal illnesses, potentially enabling inmates to spend their final days surrounded by loved ones in a community setting rather than in prison. This transition can provide emotional and psychological comfort, which is often lacking in institutional settings. However, it is crucial that community-based care providers are equipped to handle the specific needs of former inmates undergoing medical parole.
In conclusion, whether inmates with long-term or terminal illnesses should be released on medical parole depends on a comprehensive evaluation of risk, ethical considerations, community safety, and resource allocation. The decision must be individualized, transparent, and based on a careful risk assessment, ensuring that humanity and justice are balanced with public safety concerns. While medical parole is not suitable for all cases, when applied judiciously, it can serve as an ethical, cost-effective, and compassionate approach to criminal justice.
References
1. Alarid, L. F. (2015). Introduction to Criminal Justice. SAGE Publications.
2. Cuthbertson, D. (2019). Medical parole: balancing compassion and safety. Journal of Criminal Justice, 54, 42-50.
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4. Little, R. (2018). Ethical considerations in compassionate release. Health & Justice, 6(1), 12.
5. Roth, R., & Gibbs, P. (2017). Prison overcrowding and alternative sanctions. International Journal of Law and Society, 40(2), 116-125.
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10. Zhao, Y. (2019). Ethical dilemmas in releasing terminal inmates. Ethics & Behavior, 29(2), 128-144.