What is whole life prison in UK?

Whole life prison is a sentence of life imprisonment in the United Kingdom from which there is no possibility of parole. It is only used for the most serious offenses, such as murder.

Whole life prisoners are eligible for review after 25 years, but this is only to determine whether they should be moved to an open prison. They cannot be released from prison.

The first whole life sentence was imposed in the United Kingdom in 1983. Since then, around 100 whole life sentences have been handed down.

The use of whole life sentences is controversial. Some argue that it is a cruel and unusual punishment, while others argue that it is necessary to protect the public from dangerous criminals.

In recent years, there have been calls to abolish whole life sentences. However, the government has so far resisted these calls.

In the United Kingdom, the decision to impose a whole life sentence is made by the judge at the sentencing hearing. The judge must take into account the seriousness of the offense and the defendant's previous criminal convictions.

Whole life sentences are not mandatory for any offense. The judge has the discretion to impose a lesser sentence, such as a life sentence with a minimum term of imprisonment.