How Long Is A Life Sentence In Great Britain

Overview of Life Sentence in the UK

Life sentence is a type of custodial punishment or restriction used by the court in the UK to keep sentenced persons in custody until their death or until the court decides to release them. It is a sentence used for persons convicted of grave offences such as murder or terrorism. In the UK, there are four different types of life sentence: imprisonment for life, extended sentences, detention for life and life orders. As the sentence involves severe consequences, it is considered the most severe form of punishment in the UK justice system.

Life Imprisonment

Life imprisonment is the most common form of life sentence in the UK. It is a sentence used when a person is found guilty of a serious offence and is likely to remain a danger to society. The court can impose a life sentence term ranging from 7 years or more. The term of the sentence is entirely up to the court’s discretion, taking into account the severity of the offence and the personal circumstances of the offender. In most cases, the minimum sentencing term for life imprisonment is 15 years. At the end of the term, the court reviews the progress of the offender and then determines the length of the life sentence.

Extended Prison Sentences

The court can choose to issue a life sentence with an extended prison sentence or an indeterminate sentence. An extended sentence is applied to a person who is found guilty of a serious offence and has been found to be a risk to members of the public. The court can impose an extended sentence of up to 18 years or more, depending on the severity of the offence and the personal circumstances of the offender. The court will review the offender’s progress throughout the term of the sentence and make a decision regarding the length of the sentence.

Detention for Life

Detention for life is a life sentence granted when the court deems a person to be dangerous and a risk to members of the public. The term of this sentence will depend on the court’s discretion but it is necessary to consider the seriousness of the offence and the personal circumstances of the offender. Generally, the minimum sentence term is 10 years with the offender under constant supervision by the court.

Life Orders

Life orders are imposed on people convicted of a serious offence and who have been found to be a risk to members of the public. This sentence is imposed when the court determines that the person is likely to remain a risk in the future. A life order is stricter than the other types of life sentence and is very rarely used in the UK. The duration of the sentence is up to the court’s discretion but it is required to have a minimum term of five years and a maximum term of life.

Effects on Inmates Serving Life Sentence

Research shows that life sentence has an adverse effect on inmates. They experience depression, isolation and loneliness as a result of their prolonged incarceration. This can lead to mental health problems, as well as an inability to reintegrate into society. It has also been shown that life sentence can lead to a loss of hope, leading to strained family relationships. Furthermore, life sentence puts inmates at a disadvantage as they struggle to find employment or housing on their release.

Outlook from Authorities and Legal Professionals

The UK has adopted a ‘whole life tariff’ for prisoners who have committed very serious offences. This type of life sentence means that the offender will be kept in custody for the rest of their life with no chance of parole or release. For example, whole life sentences have been issued to persons convicted of murder and terrorism. However, the court can reduce the term of the sentence if compelling evidence is presented that suggests the offender has been rehabilitated and poses no risk to society.

Criticism on the Fate of Life Sentences in the UK

The UK has come under criticism from human rights advocates and legal professionals for their stance on life sentences. They argue that the decision to impose a life sentence should be taken away from the courts and that the decision should be made by medical experts as they are better informed to judge the defendant’s risk of harming members of the public. There is also a growing sentiment that life sentence should be abolished as they have a negative impact on the physical and mental state of inmates.

Alternative Sentences for Life Sentences in the UK

Alternative sentences such as restorative justice are being seen as a viable option for offenders serving life sentences in the UK. This type of justice is based on a dialogue between the offender and the victim, a process which involves listening, reconciliation, reparation and community involvement. It aims to both punish and rehabilitate offenders, which can result in their release at a much sooner date. However, this method can be difficult to apply in cases involving very serious offences such as murder.

Review and Early Release Programs

The UK government has implemented review and early release programs to promote the rehabilitation of offenders serving life sentences. This involves the court conducting a review of the offender’s progress throughout their sentence and the Prison Board then deciding whether to grant an early release on compassionate grounds. This is based on the offender’s progress medically and psychologically and their behaviour while in custody. The court must take into account the length of the sentence and whether the offender poses a risk to members of the public before making a decision.

The Impact of Community Involvement

Community involvement is another way of dealing with cases involving life sentences. Many prison programs involve inmates volunteering with the community to help those in need whilst also working on their own rehabilitation. This can be done through community programs such as gardening, teaching or working in a local charity. This type of sentence enables prisoners to use the skills they have gained to use in a positive way, building bridges with the community and increasing their employability on release.

Conclusion

Life sentence is a severe form of punishment used in the UK to keep convicted persons in custody until their death or until the court decides to release them. However, the court can impose a range of life sentence terms depending on the severity of the offence and the personal circumstances of the offender. The UK also has a ‘whole life tariff’ which means offenders are kept in custody for the rest of their life with no chance of parole or release. Alternative sentences such as restorative justice are being seen as a viable option for some offenders and the government has implemented review and early release programs for those in need. Community involvement is also important in enabling prisoners to use the skills they have gained and to build bridges with the community.

Margaret Hanson

Margaret R. Hanson is a journalist and writer from the United Kingdom. She has been writing about the UK for over a decade, covering topics such as politics, current affairs, and culture. Margaret is committed to producing work that is engaging, informative, and thought-provoking.

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