NCJ Number
185241
Journal
Canadian Journal of Criminology Volume: 42 Issue: 4 Dated: October 2000 Pages: 469-491
Date Published
October 2000
Length
23 pages
Annotation
This study examined the extent to which race accounted for differences in the granting of full parole in Canada in comparison to factors normally considered in evaluating the potential for release.
Abstract
The research arose from recognition that aboriginal people comprise 2 percent of Canada’s general population, but they account for approximately 17 percent of all Federal offenders. One reason cited for this overrepresentation of aboriginal people in corrections is racial disparity in the granting of parole. However, previous studies of full parole and aboriginal people have been descriptive and have not used controls for other causal factors besides race. The data for the present study came from all 2,479 male Federal offenders who reached their full parole eligibility date in 1996. The research followed them across four stages of the parole process s provided in the Corrections and Conditional Release Act. Aboriginal offenders were significantly less likely than non-aboriginal offenders to apply for and be granted full parole. However, race group differences did not predict either full parole application rates or parole board decisions. Aboriginal offenders do not appear to experience systematic discrimination, although it cannot be argued that no systematic discrimination exists elsewhere in the criminal justice system. Future research should focus on aboriginal justice issues, with emphasis on the factors underlying aboriginal offenders’ propensity to apply for full parole. Tables, notes, and 37 references (Author abstract modified)