a sentence sometimes given for particularly vicious criminals in murder cases or
to repeat felons, particularly if the crime is committed in a state which has no
death penalty, the jury chooses not to impose the death penalty, or the judge feels
it is simpler to lock the prisoner up and "throw away the key" rather than invite
years of appeals while the prisoner languishes on death row. Opponents of capital
punishment often advocate this penalty as a substitute for execution. It guarantees
the criminal will not endanger the public, and the prospect of never being outside
prison is severe punishment. Contrary arguments are that this penalty does not deter
murderers, there is always the possibility of escape or killing a guard or fellow
prisoner, or some soft-hearted Governor may someday reduce the sentence.
law dictionary, legal
dictionary, online law dictionary, legal terms dictionary,
online legal dictionary, legal definition, legal
terms and definition, Best online Dictionary, Law
Dictionary Software, Download Law Dictionary, law
dictionary, legal dictionary, online law dictionary,
legal terms dictionary, online legal dictionary,
legal definition, legal terms and definition, Best
online Dictionary, Law Dictionary Software, Download
Law Dictionary
