What is meant by parole?

Parole refers to the practice of supervised release from prison before the individual has completed their entire sentence. When a person is granted parole, they are allowed to serve the remainder of their time in the community under specific conditions and supervision. This system is designed to reintegrate individuals into society gradually while monitoring their behavior and compliance with the rules set by the parole board. The emphasis is on rehabilitation and ensuring that the individual is able to adapt back into society while still being held accountable for their actions.

The other choices do not accurately define parole. A period of imprisonment before a trial refers to pre-trial detention rather than parole. A type of sentence served in the community typically describes probation, which is different from the concept of parole, as it does not involve a prior incarceration. Lastly, a form of probation granted to first-time offenders also differs from parole, as probation typically allows individuals to serve their sentences in the community from the outset rather than being released early from incarceration.