What is the legal term for the formal release of a prisoner from custody before the end of their sentence?

The correct answer is "parole." Parole refers to the legal term for the conditional release of a prisoner before the completion of their full sentence. When a prisoner is granted parole, they are allowed to spend the remainder of their sentence outside of prison, under specific conditions and supervision, typically with the understanding that any violation of these conditions could result in their return to incarceration.

Parole is often granted based on factors such as good behavior, rehabilitation efforts, or a reduced risk of reoffending. Therefore, it is a mechanism intended to reintegrate individuals back into society while still holding them accountable for their actions through ongoing supervision.

While the other options, such as probation, pardon, and clemency, are related to the criminal justice system, they have different meanings and implications. Probation allows a person to serve their sentence under supervision in the community rather than in prison. A pardon is an act of forgiveness that absolves an individual from the legal consequences of their crime. Clemency is a broader term that encompasses the mercy granted to a convicted person, which may include a pardon but can also refer to commutation of a sentence or other forms of leniency.