Life Sentence

This page will provide you with information on life sentences.

What does a life sentence mean

Offenders who are convicted of murder are usually sentenced to life imprisonment and this is also the maximum penalty for some other very serious crimes.

There is no set period of custody for prisoners sentenced to life imprisonment. Prisoners serve a period which takes into account the need to:

punish the individual offender
deter others from committing similar offences
protect the public from future harm

The court will stipulate a tariff period which will be the minimum amount of time a life sentenced prisoner must serve before he/she is considered for release by the Parole Commissioners (PCNI).

More information about Parole Commissioners

After release, a life sentenced prisoner is on licence for life and may be returned to prison if they are considered to be a risk to public safety.

Other sentences and licence revocation

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Life Sentence

What does a life sentence mean

Other sentences and licence revocation

Help improve this page - send your feedback

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What to do next

Carer's Allowance

Discretionary support / Short-term benefit advance

Disability Living Allowance

Employment and Support Allowance

Jobseeker’s Allowance

Personal Independence Payment