Life Without Possibility Of Parole Definition and Legal Meaning

On this page, you'll find the legal definition and meaning of Life Without Possibility Of Parole, written in plain English, along with examples of how it is used.

What is Life Without Possibility Of Parole?

(n) Life Without Possibility of Parol is the punishment awarded to criminal at the extreme end whose existence in the society is dangerous and when death penalty is not followed or otherwise is not possible considering the circumstances. In life without parol sentences, the society get rid of the criminals without executing them .

History and Meaning of Life Without Possibility Of Parole

Life Without Possibility of Parole (LWOP) is a type of criminal sentence often employed in the United States. LWOP means that the convicted person is to spend their entire life in prison without the possibility of release or parole, effectively ending any chance of freedom. This sentence is usually given out for those convicted of the most serious crimes, such as first-degree murder or treason.

The use of LWOP as a sentence began in the United States in the 1970s as a response to critiques of the death penalty from abolitionists. Instead of executing murderers, judges and juries began implementing a sentence that would allow convicted criminals to live out their natural lives in prison, but at the same time would remove them from society permanently. LWOP is now used in many countries throughout the world, including Canada and Australia.

Examples of Life Without Possibility Of Parole

  1. After being found guilty of multiple counts of murder, the judge sentenced the defendant to LWOP.

  2. Due to the heinous nature of the crime and the danger the criminal posed to society, LWOP was the only appropriate sentence.

  3. The convicted murderer was unable to appeal his LWOP sentence, meaning he would spend the rest of his life behind bars.

Legal Terms Similar to Life Without Possibility Of Parole

  1. Minimum sentences – a fixed minimum term of imprisonment for certain types of offences.

  2. Indefinite sentences – a prison sentence for public protection.

  3. Capital punishment – the legal process of putting a person to death as a punishment for a crime.