AltInst: Privatizing Probation and Parole

"Privatizing Probation and Parole"
NCPA Policy Report No. 233
June 2000

Those released on probation (nonincarceration) or released early from prison
could be required to post a financial bond guaranteeing behavior in accord
with terms of the release. ... How would this work? It would simply transfer
the successful commercial principles of our bail system to the probation and
parole systems. In accord with our civil liberties, the criminal justice
system allows most people who are arrested and charged with a crime to be
released on bail pending trial. Bail operates on the principle that the
accused can go free once he guarantees his presence in court on a certain
date by posting a significant sum of money. If he shows up, he gets his
money back; if he doesn't, he suffers a major financial loss.

Robin Hanson rhanson@gmu.edu http://hanson.gmu.edu
Asst. Prof. Economics, George Mason University
MSN 1D3, Carow Hall, Fairfax VA 22030
703-993-2326 FAX: 703-993-2323

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Received on Fri Jun 30 16:28:12 2000