| This research examines the discretion exercised by community correction personnel in response to "successful completions" of parolees mandated into residential substance abuse treatment. While discretion has been discussed in length in law enforcement and judicial settings, this research represents a preliminary analysis of discretionary decision-making in parole settings. This research, a case study of discretion in California parole, illustrates the disparate impact of discretion and the need for more standardized guidelines in decision-making where liberty interests are at stake. This research provides qualitative results on the impact of discretionary decision-making and will provide suggestions for standardizing guidelines in multiple contexts to ensure the appropriate use of discretion. |
