When a person is served a life sentence by the judge should they serve all that time or just the half ?

Answer 1

That's a tough one. They don't usually serve half...at least in my state. I think they have to serve 85% before they are up for parole. I think some people could be released and become productive members of society again. Everyone in prison is not an animal or monster. Some people made a snap decision that was a major life changer. I guess it also depends on what their crime was, too. Prisons would be far more dangerous if these people knew they were never getting out...what would they have to lose in killing a guard or another inmate?? A lot of the "good behavior" by the inmates is due to the fact that these people want to get out and make a better life for themselves. A lot of these people are remorseful of their crime. I think there has to be some incentive.

Answer 2

Life should mean Life.
In the UK Life means 15 years, but the actual time served is normally different. The tariff, time which must be served before parole can be considered for parole, is set by the Judge.

People who are serial killers get several 'life' sentences, take for example the moors murderer. He has 16 life sentences, his tariff is set at 100 years. He will die in Prison due to his tariff.

Now to your question.
If people get sentenced to a Life sentence for example murder then they should serve the whole sentence, Manslaughter maybe they should be released when they are deemed by the Parole Board and NOT POLITICIANS to be safe again.

I think we should also adopt the 3 Strikes and Your Out rule.

Answer 3

Well, since a life sentence is usually reserved for some SERIOUS crimes, they should serve the entire time. Now, if you are trying to bring up a trick question, you can always use half of a person's remaining life expectancy (in their country) as half a life sentence.

Answer 4

If someone serves all that time that means they are going to die and when they die their sentence is up. But usually, Life with the possibility for parole after a certain amount of time is also a sentence handed down by a judge. I cannot be the judge of a convict and determine if they deserve parole, that why they have people whose job it is to determine that.

Answer 5

In the UK life means a minimum of 15 years and you can be released on licence after 10 years not half.If the crime is very bad then the judge can put higher figures on such as to serve not less than 25yrs etc.

Answer 6

To the second I'd say! It is not only about the sentence being fulfilled, it is important to the victims/general public to feel that the justice system is there to protect and punish. A life sentence given out, and then reduced to half is not good for public relations nor for the victims. Life means life.

Answer 7

If they had got a sentence for 'half their life' then they should serve half, but if they got a sentence for 'life', that kind of implies they should die in jail!! Unfortunately though, they don't.

Answer 8

If a criminal is given a life sentence for his/her crimes, then it's obvious a very serious crime has been committed. Serious crimes have serious consequences, if that means a life sentence, then that should mean life served in prison. Not half in prison and the rest on licence.

Answer 9

2 diverse motives, The time spent in reformatory waiting for trial is secure which could be extra beneficial than a year. around halfway in the sentence is whilst parole comes up and whilst you're on reliable behaviour and the patrol board think of you're reformed...

Answer 10

It just depends on whether they are guilty or not guilty.
Many people serve prison sentences and haven't committed the crime. I resent child abuse, people committing these type of crimes should definitely serve the full time.