Quote:
Originally Posted by Chris
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.
|
I realise its the minimum they must serve before they can apply for parole, but it shouldn't be called 'Life'.
It should be, they're sentenced to 12 years... 20 years... etc.
A life sentence should be applied to some crimes, but 'Life' should have it's own terms... Such as a fixed minimum of a big magnitude such as 45 years. If you see what I mean?
I just don't think that they should use the term 'Life' and then say they must serve only 12 (again, an example) years before they can apply for parole (regardless of the chance of it actually being granted).