• d00ery@lemmy.world
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    10 months ago

    I know it’s an official govt link you’ve provided, but it’s a little misleading. I think in this case the 20 / 22 years is the minimum they will serve.

    When a judge passes a life sentence, they must specify the minimum term an offender must spend in prison before becoming eligible to apply for parole (sometimes called the tariff).

    https://www.sentencingcouncil.org.uk/sentencing-and-the-council/types-of-sentence/life-sentences/

    https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Life_imprisonment_in_England_and_Wales

    • Neuromancer
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      10 months ago

      It seems the life part means they can’t be put back in prison for life. That’s how I read it. I’m not overly familiar with UK law and that seems to be the difference

      • d00ery@lemmy.world
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        10 months ago

        They’ll be on license for life, which means if they break the terms of their release (parole) they can be returned to prison.

        If released, an offender serving a life sentence will remain on licence for the rest of their life. If they are ever thought to be a risk to the public they could be recalled to prison. They do not need to have committed another offence in order to be recalled.

        • Neuromancer
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          10 months ago

          That’s very different about the American system. I’m all for reform but I worry about people who murder.

          • d00ery@lemmy.world
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            10 months ago

            Murder is murder and this was clearly premeditated, with 3 other potential victims mentioned. However 15 and 16 is relatively young, and 20 years is longer than they’ve both been alive. Maybe people change, maybe they don’t.