Second Chances Resource Library

Second look laws allow a decision-maker to reevaluate a person’s sentence after a significant period of time served in prison and determine if that sentence is still necessary. Potential second look decision-makers include courts, parole boards, governors, heads of departments of corrections, and specialty sentence review boards. There are pros and cons for each potential second look decision-maker. This document looks at factors to be considered when evaluating and choosing a decision-maker in a particular jurisdiction. Passing legislation that uses one decision-maker does not preclude current or future legislation allowing other decision-makers to conduct second looks.