In judicial practice, back-to-back life sentences are two or more consecutive life sentences given to a felon. This penalty is typically used to minimize the chance of the felon being released from prison. This is a common punishment for a defendant convicted of multiple murder in the United States.
What does a double life sentence mean?
A double life sentence ensures that even after 25 years of serving the first life sentence, the felon has to wait an additional 25 years before being eligible for parole again for his second sentence (even if he “receives parole on the first sentence). Therefore, it ensures at least 50 years of imprisonment.
Why do judges give 1000 years?
Sentencing laws vary across the world, but in the United States, the reason people get ordered to serve exceptional amounts of prison time is to acknowledge multiple crimes committed by the same person. “Each count represents a victim,” says Rob McCallum, Public Information Officer for the Colorado Judicial Branch.