Opinion ID: 1984902
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: The Board's Explanation

Text: The primary issue in this case is whether Ms. Glover is entitled to a written explanation of the reason the parole board denied her request for parole. Before considering that question, however, we first must determine whether Ms. Glover has already received an adequate explanation. If she has, there is no need to remand or reach the other questions in this case. The record of the public hearing reveals that there was substantial support for Ms. Glover's request for parole. Numerous letters of support had been submitted. Testimony showed Ms. Glover's educational achievements, her involvement in religious activities while incarcerated, her participation in individual and group psychotherapy, and a psychological report indicating that she did not need further psychotherapy. Moreover, resident unit managers filed positive reports, Ms. Glover had a confirmed offer of employment, and one of the deceased victim's children testified in favor of granting Ms. Glover parole. Notwithstanding the impressive presentation on behalf of Ms. Glover, the record of the public hearing also establishes that there was significant opposition to a grant of parole. There was testimony from the surviving victim and relatives of the victims, all of whom opposed parole, along with a number of community members expressing similar sentiments. A record was also established showing twenty-nine prison misconduct reports, numerous letters in opposition, and a petition signed by approximately 1,200 people who opposed, as a general matter, any parole for prisoners serving life sentences. That this was a difficult decision was made clear when the chairperson of the parole board stated at the conclusion of the public hearing we wouldn't be here if it wasn't close. The parole board, after exercising its discretion to grant or deny parole, was required, pursuant to M.C.L. § 791.234(8); MSA 28.2304(8), [12] to provide a sufficient explanation for its decision, thereby allowing meaningful appellate review. The board failed, given the record herein, to provide such an explanation. It stated in its notice of action that it withdrew its interest in proceeding toward parole, citing only that it had considered the positions taken by those testifying and had considered the adjustment, attitude and behavior of the prisoner.... We find that there is a lack of clarity regarding what about these factors compelled the board to act that caused the Court of Appeals to remand to the parole board for explication of its reason for denying parole. The Court of Appeals rightly decided that the board had abjured any meaningful explanation, 226 Mich. App. at 668, n. 3, 575 N.W.2d 772, and we conclude that the Court of Appeals remand in the instant case was well within its authority, although, as we hold below, its cited justification for the remand was in error. Having determined that the board's explanation is inadequate for judicial review, we now turn to the questions decided by the Court of Appeals in this case.