New Jersey State Parole Board, Respondent v. James Byrne, Appellant; Tony Maples, Appellant, v. Christopher Dietz…

Summary

The Supreme Court of New Jersey held that the Parole Act’s provision granting parole eligibility dates creates a protected liberty interest that triggers Fourteenth Amendment due process, and that the statute’s procedure—allowing denial of a full‑step reduction without reasons or a hearing—fails to satisfy due process. The Court affirmed the classification scheme as constitutional, but remanded for the Parole Board to provide notice, a statement of reasons, and an opportunity for the inmate to comment.