Abstract

As of January 1, 1987, 29 states have life-without-parole statutes. These laws are divided into capital offender statutes that most commonly apply the sanction for aggravated homicide, and career criminal statutes that apply the sanction to repeat offenders under specified conditions. Although both types are life-without-parole statutes, they are directed at two very different offender populations and probably arise from divergent social and political conditions. Further, the capacity of the executive to release through commutation makes the life-without-parole statutes less substantial than is commonly believed. Some of the problems that increased use of this sanction may create are discussed, and a research agenda to prepare for these problems before they arrive is suggested.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.