Probation And Parole Revocation Essay

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Probation and Parole Revocation The idea of due process also known as procedural fairness is a constitutional right that is mentioned in both the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments. This right is guaranteed to those under the custody of the correctional system despite their status. A probationer or parolee must be afforded the proper due process if the system is to be impartial. The courts have the job of determining, through litigation, of determining what is protected and also what is not protected. Typically the beginning of the revocation process involves the arrest of a probationer or parolee. Only after the arrest can the due process held in Morrissey v. Brewer be applied. Morrissey requires that before the status can be revoked a hearing must be given. Typically the full hearing with a determination will happen within two months of the process beginning (Palmer, 2010). To conform with the requirements of Morrissey, the Supreme Court, has given the following guidelines: written notice of violation; evidence against parolee must be given to him or her; parolee must be given the opportunity to be heard in person and present witnesses or evidence; parolee has the right to confront and cross-examine adverse witnesses, unless substantial risk of harm is …show more content…

However, within this ruling the courts stated that should a probationer or parolee be impecunious and unable to present their defense counsel should be allowed although sound discretion should be used on a case-by-case basis (Gagnon v. Scarpelli, 1973). The exception to the use of discretion would be if the revocation proceeding does involve the need for counsel of an impecunious individual then the state must follow the ruling in Mempa v. Rhay. Mempa states that when it is shown that an individual requires appointed counsel that lack of authority or funding will not be justifiable to deny representation

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