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

The legal term for the release of a prisoner before the end of their sentence is parole. Parole is a conditional release that allows an inmate to serve the remainder of their sentence outside of prison under specific terms and supervision. Typically, this process involves an assessment of the inmate's behavior, rehabilitation efforts, and potential for reintegration into society. The parolee must adhere to specific conditions, which may include reporting to a parole officer, attending counseling, or maintaining employment. Failure to comply with these conditions can result in being re-incarcerated.

In contrast, probation refers to a court-ordered period of supervision in the community, usually given as an alternative to incarceration rather than a release from prison. A pardon is the act of forgiving an individual for their crime, effectively absolving them from its legal consequences, and clemency is a broader term that includes reducing sentences or granting a pardon, but does not specifically pertain to the release of prisoners. Therefore, when considering the context of early release from prison, parole is clearly the term that fits this definition.