What is the definition of "parole" in the context of criminal justice?

In the context of criminal justice, "parole" refers to the process of releasing a prisoner early for good behavior. This involves allowing an incarcerated individual to serve the remainder of their sentence under supervision in the community, often with certain conditions that must be met. The essence of parole is that it provides a structured reintegration into society, allowing the person to continue their rehabilitation while still under legal oversight.

The other options reflect distinct concepts within the criminal justice system. The idea of extending a felon's sentence outside of prison typically relates to alternative sentencing or probation, which is different from parole. Monitoring offenders within the community generally pertains to probation, which is a separate process that may occur instead of incarceration or may run concurrently with parole. Lastly, the conditions required for receiving a suspended sentence are related to the terms set by a judge for a sentence that is not immediately enforced but can be activated if specific criteria are not met. Each of these concepts has its unique characteristics and serves different purposes in the justice system.