Back-to-back life sentences

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In judicial practice, back-to-back life sentences are two consecutive life sentences given to a felon. This penalty is typically used to prevent the felon from ever getting released from prison. This is a common punishment for a double murder in the United States. This is effective because the defendant may be awarded parole after 25 years when he or she is eligible, and then must serve an additional 25 years in prison to be eligible for parole again. Other countries such as the UK allow multiple concurrent life sentences, which can be served at the same time, allowing earlier release of the prisoner.

[edit] External links and references

• The Free Dictionary on Back-to-back life sentences