Why is sentenced for 'life' only eleven years?

Ben

Its called "indeterminate sentencing" and it where the judge sets the sentence, then a parole board or commission determines what part of the sentence will be served. However, once sentence is served and parole is commenced, any violation mandates that the offender serves more time up to a maximum of the original life sentence.

sir galahad

because we live in politically correct britain,where the rights of the scum,are more important than their victims.i have friends in the prison service,and it's shocked me to hear how well they have to treat them,telly's,PlayStation's,etc

Dimunitive Juarez Griffin

Do you have a link to that particular case.

I'm not saying you're wrong, but I would think he would have been charged as an adult for such a serious crime. If charged as an adult, getting life in prison would require a minimum of 25 years, all with good behavior for him to get parole.

Getting only 11 years would suggest he was charged as a juvenile. I am rather surprised by that, and I wonder if a link might provide the info needed to figure out why he was charged as a juvenile.

Add-on:

Thanks for the link. I didn't realize you were talking about a situation in Britain. My answer gave American law, and so Britain may handle cases like this differently.

shakermaker1983

I know! its a disgrace probably because he is only 16 they think 11 years is enough. He will be out in 6 years anyway i reckon. All it does is send a message to thugs out there that 11 years is all you will get if you do something like this.

Bardic

To be pedantic, a life sentence is a life sentence. If any lifer is released it is on licence, and he can in fact be recalled to prison at any time for the rest of his life. The judge has said that he won't even be considered for release on licence for 11 years

However, I know what you mean. The only consolation I have is that 11 years is a hell of a long time when you're 16, and at least we won't have to pay to keep the nasty little scrote in prison beyond that.

*7 Inch Heels*

Here in America in most states the Life sentence is 35 years!

Traci B

Canada is just as bad as Britain. Don't get me wrong, I love Canada but our justice system stinks.

A maximum sentence in Canada is 25 years (for 1st degree murder), out in 1/3 with good behavior. And that is for a heinous crime...The 16 year old would be tried as an adult here but would not be given the "max."

Cornish Granny

As Bardic says, a life sentence is for the rest of his life. Once released if he offends again he will go straight to prison to serve more time. If someone is sentenced to 5 years, after 5 years the sentence is spent.
This hangs over them for the rest of their life. Long time when you are 16.
No point in us taxpayers paying for them to stay in jail until they die.

finglas9

It is called Life sentence because he can be held in prison for the rest of his life. The 11 years is the Tariff set by the judge which means the least time he must serve. When he reaches 11 years he is considered for parole, if he has not reduced his level of risk, i/e, if he is still a danger to society then he will not be released. All Life Sentence prisoners stay on "Life Licence" til the day they die. If they break the conditions of the licence they go straight back to prison, no court case . All "lifers" are regularly assessed in prison many serve longer than their tariff date. tariff dates are decided by the judge who hears the trial and reports so, a Terrorist would get a life sentence for murder but because of his risk to society would get a 25/35 year tariff. The judge hears all the facts of the case and bases his tariff date on this.But it is all about RISK TO SOCIETY. Drunken yobs who like to go around assaulting people can get whats called "TWO STRIKES" SHORT TARIFF LIFE SENTENCES. This means because they are a menace to society they get a life sentence with a tariff of 4 to 6 years many do a lot longer in jail because they do not change and therefore are still a risk to society.

MICHAEL D

11 year can be 11 years it all depends on the judges summing up. The judge could have stipulated no early release.

Lord_Darkclaw

I'm not against giving shortened sentences but when they say "life" it should mean life imprisonment with *the possibilty* of time off for good behaviour, otherwise it is meaningless.

These days a life sentence for murder can be less than a sentence for a non-violent crime.

Ms. Kimmery

because that is life for a 16 year old? lol he's probably up for probation or parole after the 11 years but that will probably be like forever

Connor L

It is called a life sentence because It is a long time of your life. He will get out when he is 27. That is most of his life so that's why.

He will get out early if he remains good in prison so it's a waste

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