Who is considered the father of parole?

The title of "father of parole" is most accurately attributed to Zebulon Brockway. He was a prominent figure in the American correctional system during the late 19th century and played a pivotal role in reforming the penal system, particularly through the introduction and implementation of parole practices. Brockway was the superintendent of the Elmira Reformatory in New York, where he focused on rehabilitation and the gradual reintegration of inmates into society. His innovative approaches laid the groundwork for the parole system as it is understood today, emphasizing the idea that individuals could be given conditional release from incarceration in order to encourage good behavior and successful reintegration.

Understanding this context helps clarify why Brockway is recognized as a leading figure in the establishment of parole. His methods prioritized rehabilitation over mere punishment, revolutionizing the approach to corrections and influencing modern practices within the criminal justice system.