Quote:
Originally Posted by AntiSilence
A valid point.
But, in this country at least, the term "Life Imprisonment" should mean at least that (or close). But as it stands, we hear "Bob was sentenced to life and will have to serve a minimum of 12 years" (made up example). That's not right, surely?
I think a "life sentence" should be a minimum of 45 years with no chance of parole. Of course, if you're proved innocent in the mean time, then fair do's.
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A life sentence is designed to provide both punishment and the possibility of rehabilitation. The tariff ensures there is a minimum period in jail as adequate punishment, but this is only the period they must serve before
applying for parole. There's no guarantee of release after that; if they don't convince the parole board they have reformed and no longer pose a risk, then they stay behind bars for as long as it takes.