Parolee

/ˌpæroʊˈli/ noun

Definition

A person who has been released from prison before completing their full sentence, on the condition that they follow certain rules and report to a parole officer.

Etymology

From 'parole' (from French 'parole,' word or promise), meaning conditional release based on a prisoner's promise of good behavior. The term emerged in the 19th century as prison reform movements developed.

Kelly Says

Parole was actually invented as a more humane alternative to mandatory long sentences—the idea was that rehabilitation mattered more than pure punishment, a revolutionary concept at the time.

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