Imprisonment "life terms"

Question

How long is the system talking about when they sentence someone to "life" in prison. Is it just a set number of years?

Also, is it really necessary to sentence someone to eighteen life terms?

Answer 1

Life in prison really isnt "Life" in most cases. It varies by state, but usually its 20-25 years depending on the crime before you are allowed a parole hearing.

This is why the idea of eliminating the death penalty is bullshit. If we did that the majority of people on it now would end up walking in 25 years-out to rape and murder again.  

Answer 2

Every State interprets a Life sentence differently.  In CA, a Life sentence is life.  It is generally referred to as LWOP.  (Life without the possibility of Parole).   If the sentence is 25 to Life, the inmate must serve 25 actual years before they are even eligible for parole.

In multiple victim cases or multiple occurrences, one could easily have 18 Life sentences... example: if there were 18 victims or the incident occurred 18 times..

Answer 3

It depends, "life without parole" means you will die in prison.  "Life" means that you may be eligible for parole at some point in the future.  In Texas it is usually 20 years before you are eligible for parole.

Yes, sometimes it is necessary to sentence someone to eighteen life terms.  Each victim deserves justice.  Also, 18 life terms served consecutively would ensure anyone eligible for parole after 20 years will die in prison.