Inmates can sometimes get out of prison early if they have been good in prison and must check in periodically. What is this called?

• A. Probation
• B. Parole
• C. Fines
• D. Community service

Answer: (B)

Parole is the early release from prison before the full sentence is served, granted to someone who has behaved well and can be supervised in the community. Those released on parole must check in regularly with a parole officer and follow conditions like reporting, staying out of trouble, maintaining employment, and sometimes undergoing drug testing or counseling. If they violate these terms, they can be returned to prison to serve the remainder of their sentence. This differs from probation, which is supervision in the community as part of a sentence served instead of prison, and from fines or community service, which are penalties rather than a mechanism for early release.