What is the Difference Between Bail and Parole?

Bail and parole are two different legal concepts that serve as incentives for defendants and inmates, respectively. Here are the key differences between them:

1. Timing: Bail is offered before a defendant's trial, while parole is offered after a defendant has been convicted of a crime and usually after a certain amount of time behind bars.
2. Purpose: Bail is an incentive for defendants to comply with court dates, whereas parole is an incentive for inmates to behave.
3. Authority: Bail is offered by a judge, while parole is typically offered by a specialized parole board.
4. Eligibility: A defendant who is eligible for parole might not be eligible for bail.
5. Conditions: Bail requires the payment of a specified amount of money or property as a guarantee for the accused to return to court, while parole is a conditional release from imprisonment that requires the prisoner to follow certain guidelines.
6. Consequences: If a defendant is arrested on bail, they are sent back to jail to await their day in court. If a parolee is arrested while on parole, they are returned to prison to serve the rest of their original sentence.

In summary, bail is a monetary incentive for defendants to return to court, while parole is an early release incentive for good behavior. Bail is offered by a judge before conviction, whereas parole is offered by a parole board after conviction.

Comparative Table: Bail vs Parole

Here is a table illustrating the differences between bail and parole:

In summary, bail is a monetary incentive for defendants to appear in court before their trial, while parole is an early release incentive for inmates who have served a portion of their sentence and demonstrated good behavior. Bail is granted by a judge, whereas parole is granted by a parole board.