NCJ Number
188643
Journal
Justice Report Volume: 16 Issue: 1 Dated: 2001 Pages: 10-13
Editor(s)
Gaston St-Jean
Date Published
2001
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This paper presents an excerpt on the history of parole and conditional release in Canada with particular emphasis on the turbulent 1970's.
Abstract
This paper provides a brief historical perspective of the Canadian Parole Board’s difficult 1970's era facing a multitude of issues that continue to impact the Board today. In 1972, the drive to regionalize the Board began and by 1974 there were ten regional Parole Board members. Additionally that same year, corporal punishment was abolished by Parliament, freeing the Board from the duty of ruling on this form of punishment. 1972 also marked the highest number of approved conditional releases. In 1974-1976, an internal review committee was established at National Parole Board headquarters in Ottawa. An inmate could ask the committee to review his/her denial for parole or parole revocation. Another major thrust of the 1970's affecting the Parole Board was the campaign to abolish capital punishment. In 1976, legislation was passed to abolish capital punishment altogether and transfer the Royal Prerogative for Mercy (or clemency) to the National Parole Board. With the rejection of capital punishment, the importance of clemency diminished.