Life sentences are extremely severe penalties and are reserved for individuals who are responsible for the most heinous crimes. A life sentence will not be imposed lightly and it is usually reserved for offenders who are responsible for inflicting a great deal of harm or for perpetrators who are considered to be dangerous.
Many people argue that life sentences should be the penalty in capital cases instead of the death penalty. Numerous states agree with this ideology and have abolished the death penalty in favor of life sentences. Life sentences are utilized in order to inflict punishment upon a criminal and to keep the public safe from the threat that is posed by the convict.
A life sentence may be determined to be the appropriate penalty for a number of different crimes. These crimes are usually violent in nature, but in some cases non-violent crimes are punished by a sentence of life in prison.
Life sentences are generally reserved for individuals who are responsible for particularly harmful and severe criminal activity. Convicts who have been charged with the murder of another individual are commonly sentenced to life in prison. This may be the case for individuals who have taken part in aggravated murder or felony murder.
Aggravated murder occurs when the perpetrator carefully plots and plans their crime before the murder occurs. The offender not only possesses the intent to kill their victim, but the murder does not occur in the heat of an argument. The perpetrator had the time to consider all of the aspects of their crime, and despite the opportunity they had to contemplate the realities of the crime, the results of their behavior, and the consequences they would face as a result of their actions, the offender chose to commit a capital offense.
Many would argue that individuals who are deprived of the moral substance and discernment to recognize right from wrong are a danger to society and should receive a life sentence. In the case of felony murder, an offender kills another individual while in the process of carrying out a felony crime.
This often occurs in instances of aggravated robbery. The perpetrator may not intend to kill anyone before the criminal activity occurs. However, once the felony occurs, the offender may find themselves to be exceptionally brutal to their victims. They may be carrying a deadly weapon and in the course of the felony they may fire their weapon, severely wounding or killing a bystander. The offender will be charged with murder and will most likely receive a life sentence if they are not sentenced to capital punishment.
Sexual battery and rape are crimes that are punishable by life in prison in numerous states. High treason, especially during war time is often considered to be a crime that is punishable be a life sentence. If an individual is responsible for subjecting another person to extreme violence or brutality during kidnapping, human trafficking, or drug trafficking, they may be sentenced to life imprisonment. Often, drug lords and gang leaders are required to serve a life sentence.
Repeat criminals often have a life sentence imposed upon them. This is especially true if they are responsible for violent crimes. Offenders who take part in multiple instances of pedophilia or sexual assault may receive a life sentence