A life sentence in the UK means the sentence lasts for the rest of the convicted person's life. It is an indeterminate sentence, meaning there is no fixed end date, unlike a standard prison term.
Understanding the 'Life' in a Life Sentence
Unlike fixed-term sentences that end after a specified number of years, a life sentence places the individual under the authority of the justice system indefinitely. This means that even if a person is eventually released from prison, they remain subject to conditions and supervision for the remainder of their natural life. This continuous oversight is a defining characteristic of a life sentence in the UK.
Key Phases of a Life Sentence
While a life sentence is fundamentally for life, it typically involves several distinct stages that determine how much of that life is spent in prison and how much is spent under supervision in the community.
The Tariff Period
The first part of a life sentence is known as the tariff period. This is the minimum amount of time an offender must spend in prison before they can even be considered for release. The length of the tariff is set by the judge at the time of sentencing and is intended to reflect the seriousness of the crime committed, serving as the punitive and deterrent component of the sentence.
Release on Licence
Once the tariff period has been served, a life-sentenced prisoner becomes eligible for release, but this is not automatic. The Parole Board conducts a thorough assessment to determine whether it is safe to release the individual into the community. If deemed safe, the individual will be released, but they will spend the rest of their life 'on licence' in the community.
Being on licence means the individual is subject to continuous supervision and must adhere to specific conditions. These conditions are designed to manage risk and support rehabilitation and can vary widely but commonly include:
- Regular reporting to a probation officer.
- Residing at an approved address.
- Restrictions on travel or contact with certain individuals.
- Participation in specific rehabilitation programmes or activities.
Recall to Prison
The condition of being 'on licence' is lifelong. If an individual on licence breaks their licence conditions or commits another crime, they can be immediately sent back to prison. This power of recall highlights that the life sentence never truly ends, even after physical release from custody. The decision to recall someone to prison can be made quickly, and the individual may then face a new Parole Board review to determine any subsequent release.
For further information on prison sentences in the UK, you can refer to official government guidance on Types of Prison Sentence: Life sentences.
