A life sentence in jail is awarded to a defendant who has been convicted of a felony.
This is the second most severe punishment, next to the death sentence that is provided to convicts to have committed severe crimes.
The article will provide information regarding the length of life sentence in jail and whether minors get a life sentence.
How Long Is A Life Sentence In Jail?
In most of the United States, a life sentence is termed as the time a defendant will be serving 15 years in jail.
It might be confusing for you why an individual awarded a life sentence is leaving jail after a certain period of time.
Parole is when a criminal is provided with the opportunity to leave his or her life sentence temporarily or permanently. This only occurs if they have shown good behavior while life sentence in jail, which allows them to achieve parole effectively.
This is especially applicable if that convict has committed a severe crime and does not deserve the mercy of parole.
Can Multiple Life Sentences Be Provided?
So, the question of how long a life sentence could be stated on the kind of misdemeanor the convict has committed. The more severe the crime, the longer the life sentence can become for the convict.
The judge who awards the sentence plays a major role in determining whether to award a life sentence in jail with or without parole.
However, if the judge feels the convict is a hardcore criminal who shows no signs of improvement or change in their character. In such cases, there is a high of providing them with multiple life sentences with no chance of any parole.
Can a Minor Get a Life Sentence?
In the year 2011, the US Supreme Court developed a law. Stating that sentencing a minor with a life sentence. This is without a chance of parole goes against the 8th Amendment of the Constitution.
This law has an exception that allows the ability to give life sentence to minors who have intentionally caused homicide.
However, as this law was not present before 2011.
Moreover, Most nations across the world do not have laws that allow minors to get life sentences. This is without any chance of parole or release.
Final Thoughts!
You now have a better understanding regarding the length of life sentences that are awarded in the US.
Moreover, Life sentences can be a good kind of deterrent.
The prisoner will have enough time to contemplate the wrongdoings by being in jail for a long period of time.
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