Life Prison

There are several types of life sentence:

Mandatory Life This is the only sentence that can be imposed on a person over the age of 21 who is convicted of Murder. And other such offences and there is no discretion available to the court.

Discretionary Life Person must be over 21. The sentence can be imposed following a conviction for a 'serious' offence where the maximum sentence allowed by the statute is life, for example manslaughter, attempted murder and rape. Where a life sentence is not mandatory then a discretionary life sentence should only be passed in the most exceptional circumstances (R v Mason & Sellars - 2002).

Detention at Her Majesty's Pleasure This is the only sentence that can be imposed on a person convicted of murder who was over 10 but under 18 years old at the time of the offence. The court has no discretion.

Custody for Life This sentence will arise following a conviction for Murder, which carries a Mandatory life sentence and will be imposed on a person who was aged between 18 years and 21 years old when they committed the offence.

It can also be imposed when an individual aged between 18 and 21 years is convicted for an offence that carries life as a maximum for an adult. It is an equivalent to a discretionary life sentence in those circumstances.

Detention for Life This sentence can be imposed when a person aged between 10 and 18 years old is convicted for an offence other than Murder  which carries a life sentence had they been an adult . The court does have discretion here and does not need to impose this unless there are exceptional circumstances.

Tariffs For Life Sentence Prisoners

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