The Strain of Procedural Injustice in Parole among Former Prisoners: A Test with a Mixed-Gender Sample

Abstract

The concept of procedural justice has been examined in a plethora of studies that encompass topics from citizens’ trust in police to their wiliness to obey the law. However, extant research has not moved beyond “if” procedural justice matters to “why” procedural justice matters. What’s more, the concept of procedural justice, though received substantial attention in policing studies, has not been explored sufficiently in the correctional context in general and in parole efficacy in particular. This study examines the why questions—the mechanism through which procedural injustice in parole can influence the reentry outcomes of released prisoners. Using longitudinal data from a mixed-gender sample of released prisoners, we test the applicability of strain mechanism on procedural injustice and disentangle the nexus of procedural injustice, negative emotions and reentry success. Additionally, we test the gendered effects of negative emotions. Findings indicate that the strain of procedural injustice on respondents is positively associated with an increase in criminal propensity, and depression mediates this relationship. Additionally, we find that the interplay of gender and negative emotions affects respondents’ criminal propensity and substance use.