New Jersey parole system has been labeled as “broken” due to findings showing that less than half of eligible parole applicants are granted release

New Jersey parole system has been labeled as “broken” due to findings showing that less than half of eligible parole applicants are granted release. A report from the Office of the Public Defender’s Parole Project indicates that over half of eligible parole applicants were denied release between 2017 and 2019, adding that an “anomalous year” in 2020 saw a 52.7% release rate due to COVID. It also found that 78% of those denied parole were Black or Hispanic. The report recommends reforms such as ensuring parole applicants access to a lawyer and confidential documents influencing parole decisions. Currently, the state is not mandated by law to provide legal counsel at parole proceedings.

From New Jersey Patch.