Other Fields
Agency Scheme: 
USPCMAIN0001
ADJUDICATION STRUCTURE
Hearing Level: Basic Structure
Name of Hearing Office (local name): 
Commission
Name of Hearing Office (global name): 
United States Parole Commission: Commission
Hearing Officer #1 (Title): 
Hearing Examiner/Designee
Hearing Officer #2 (Title): 
Commissioner
Are administrative appeals permitted from final decisions at the hearing-level stage?: 
Yes (All Types of Cases)
Comments/Notes on Adjudication Structure: 

A prisoner/parolee is allowed representation by a person of his or her choice, and this person has the function of offering a statement at the conclusion of the interview and to provide any additional information requested by the examiner. 28 CFR 2.13(b). Such representation is generally limited to one person, but the hearing examiner may permit additional representatives at his/her discretion. Rules and Procedures Manual 2.13-02.

In addition to provisions that the prisoner be allowed representation, interested parties who oppose parole may also appear with representation in parole decision hearings. 28 CFR 2.13(b).

PROCESS & PROCEDURE - General Information
Are private parties permitted to have representation at hearings?: 
Yes (All Types of Cases)
Who may serve as a private party representative?: 
Either
Regulations/rules of practice for hearings (please include CFR citations): 
28 CFR 2.12-2.14; 28 CFR 2.55 (disclosure/discovery)
Other published guidance for hearings (if any): 
Rules and Procedures Manual Parts 2.12-01 - 2.14-04
PROCESS & PROCEDURE - Pre-Hearing Procedure
Is discovery permitted by either party at the hearing-level stage?: 
Yes (All Types of Cases)
Briefly describe the scope and type(s) of discovery available (e.g., depositions, interrogatories, etc.): 
The prisoner/parolee is permitted to view his/her institutional file before the hearing and may inspect any parts that the Commission will use as a basis for its decision. If any portions of the file are exempted, by law, from being shown, those portions will be summarized and the summaries will be provided to the offender, if requested. 28 CFR 2.55
Does the hearing officer have subpoena authority?: 
Yes (All Types of Cases)
Are parties provided notice of hearing?: 
Yes (All Types of Cases)
PROCESS & PROCEDURE - Hearing Procedure
What types of hearings are permitted at the hearing-level stage?: 
In-Person
Video
How many hearing officers preside at each hearing?: 
Varies by Case
If "Varies by Case," please describe: 
Generally, hearings are presided over by one hearing examiner, but the Regional Commissioner may designate a case to be heard by a two-examiner panel. The Regional Commissioner conducts the ultimate review and makes the final decision.
Is witness testimony permitted at hearings?: 
Yes
Can third-parties submit amicus briefs and/or evidence?: 
Yes
Are hearings recorded and/or transcribed?: 
Yes
Are hearings open to the public?: 
Presumed Closed (But May Be Open Under Certain Conditions)
PROCESS & PROCEDURE - Post-Hearing Procedure
Who typically drafts the decision at the hearing-level stage?: 
Adjudication Officer
Who has authority to issue final decisions?: 
Program Official
Other
If "Other," please specify: 
Ordinarily, the Regional Commissioner makes the final decision, but in cases in which there have been no findings of misconduct and no other modification of release date appears warranted, the Executive Hearing Examiner may act for the Regional Commissioner. 28 CFR 2.14(b)(4). In original jurisdiction cases, the final decision is made by a majority vote of the Commissioners holding office at the time of the decision. 28 CFR 2.17.
Do agency regulations or guidance provide time limits for issuance of final decisions?: 
No
Is judicial review available after issuance of a final decision?: 
No
PROCESS & PROCEDURE - Case Management
Does the agency permit web-based electronic filing of hearing-related briefs or other documents?: 
No
Are final decisions published and/or posted on the agency website?: 
No
Do agency regulations/rules of practice specify the contents of the administrative record at the hearing-level stage?: 
No
Do agency regulations/rules of practice provide for closure of the record at the hearing-level stage (subject to applicable exce: 
No
ADR: General Information
Is ADR available at one or more points during the hearing process?: 
No
Verified by Agency: 
Not verified