Why do you get parole earlier in a 110 year sentence rather than a life with parole sentence?

Question

I was outraged at the horrific crime that was committed when a group of US soldiers on March 12, 2006, raped and killed (set on fire with kerosene to destroy the evidence) Abeer Qassim al-Janabi, 14, and killed her parents and sister.

Some of the soldiers got sentences from as low as 5 years (which I understand because they were the ones who reported it). Spielman was convicted of rape, conspiracy to commit rape, housebreaking with intent to rape and four counts of felony murder and given a 110 year sentence. I was happy with this till I realized he could be paroled in 10.

Why is it that "Life will parole" will mean that you have to wait longer for the possibility of parole? Whereas his sentence of 110 years means that he will be eligible for parole in 10 years?

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070804/ap_on_re_us/army_rape_slaying

Answer 1

It is called indeterminate sentencing, thank the Democrats of the 50's and 60's for that one, most states had it for awhile the abandoned it, it took us forever in California to abolish it, thanks to the Byrd Court.

But the Feds still operate with it. Basically the number is a guideline and the Parole board holds the keys.

Answer 2

There is no general rule applied to this. Its more like bartering and the out come of each bartering is unique to each sentence. I think life with parole means he WILL get out in 20 yrs. But 110yrs means although he will be eligible for parole (parole is not a garuntee its just a hearing) its possible to keep him in forever, which I think is the right thing to do.
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NOTE- I'm no legal expert so dont quote me on any of that.

Answer 3

Anyone a tad bit suspicious on why a "lookout"--who didn't beat/rape/kill this child--gets MORE prison time than those in his group who DID beat/rape/kill a 14 year old girl????

Can you imagine the POLITICAL DYNAMICS at play between the US and Iraq, with regards in this case???\

One sentenced to "life" in prison can pretty much expect parole AFTER the productive years of his/her life has been spent in prison; leaving them old, useless and dependent on SSI and Welfare. Brilliant justice system, isn't it????

This particular soldier's carefully constructed prison sentence inculdes the standard "DD", hard prison time (to Iraqi level of satisfaction), and a paroled release into society while having some productive years of life left.

The Army "DD"d one of the accused rapists, tossing them to Federal authorities; this guy faces death penalty. Like...they're gonna kill an American soldier because the Army washed their hands of him.

I can imagine the number of Army and military recruits turn away from service because of this bumbled case handling.

Answer 4

This is such BS. He didn't even rape the girl and he gets a harsher sentence. Iraq is such a waste of human life, and I'm not talking about just the death count.

Answer 5

thats one thing i like about the american justice system,you hanf out LIFE sentances...not just 15 odd year ones.