Opinion ID: 1759329
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 7

Heading: Sentencing and parole are separate and distinct.

Text: The State Parole Board is an administrative entity of the executive branch of the State which was created by statute. The functions of the State Parole Board are executive and administrative in nature. It is charged with the exclusive responsibility for determining and administering parole. MISS. CODE ANN. § 47-7-5 (1972), as amended. Therefore, it is the State which determines the propriety of, and regulation of, the parole of convicted felons. According to this Court, sentencing authority is separate from the State Parole Board's function of determining parole. In discussing the sentencing and parole statutes regarding a robbery, this Court previously stated that: The sentencing and the parole chapters are separate and distinct. ... Sentencing authority is provided for under § 97-3-79 and not § 47-7-3. The granting of parole or denial of parole, under § 47-7-3 is the exclusive responsibility of the state parole board, which is independent of the circuit court's sentencing authority. Mitchell v. State, 561 So.2d 1037, 1039 (Miss. 1990) (emphasis added). Regardless of any effect the lower court's sentence may have on Lanier's length of incarceration, this Court should not interfere with that contractual arrangement which may well affect parole. Indeed, whether to hold Lanier to his contractual waiver of parole eligibility is a proper consideration for the State Parole Board, when, and if, Lanier applies for parole. IV.