History of sex offenses involving teenage boys
The five members of the parole board questioned Jim Allen, an offender
with a long history of sex offenses involving teenage boys. Now
approaching age 45 and having met the eligibility requirement for a
hearing, Allen respectfully answered the board members.
Toward the end of the hearing, Richard Edwards, a dentist who had
recently been appointed to the board, spoke up: “Your institutional
record is good, you have a parole plan, a job has been promised, and
your sister says she will help you. All of that looks good, but I just can’t
vote for your parole. You haven’t attended the behavior-modification
program for sex offenders. I think you’re going to repeat your crime. I
have a 13-year-old son, and I don’t want him or other boys to run the
risk of meeting your kind.” Allen looked shocked. The other members
had seemed ready to grant his release.
“But I’m ready for parole. I won’t do that stuff again. I didn’t go to that
program because electroshock to my private areas is not going to help
me. I’ve been here five years of the seven-year maximum term and
have stayed out of trouble. The judge didn’t say I was to be further
punished in prison by therapy.”
After Jim Allen left the room, the board discussed the case. “You know,
Rich, he has a point. He has been a model prisoner and has served a
good portion of his sentence,” said Brian Lynch, a long-term board
member. “Besides, we don’t know if Dr. Hankin’s program works.”
“I know, but can we really let someone like that out on the
streets?” asked Edwards.
1. Are the result of the behavioral-modification program for sex
offenders relevant to the parole board’s decision. Would you
consider it? Explain.
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2. Is the purpose of the sentence to punish Allen for what he did or
for what he might do in the future?
3. Would you vote for his release on parole? Would your vote be
the same if his case had received media attention. Explain!
Sample Solution
Yes, the results of the behavioral-modification program for sex offenders are relevant to the parole board’s decision. The program is designed to help sex offenders understand their behavior and develop coping mechanisms to prevent reoffending. If an offender has not completed the program, it is a sign that they may not be ready for parole. However, it is important to note that the program is not a guarantee that the offender will not reoffend.
Whether or not I would consider the results of the program would depend on a number of factors, including:
- The offender's criminal history
- The severity of the offender's past offenses
- The offender's institutional behavior
- The offender's risk assessment
- The offender's parole plan
- The availability of support services in the community
- Is the purpose of the sentence to punish Allen for what he did or for what he might do in the future?
- Would you vote for his release on parole? Would your vote be the same if his case had received media attention?