The death penalty and life imprisonment act as the highest punishment for special crimes. This measure takes effect from the moment the sentence comes into force. The termination of punishment is the biological termination of the convict. We will consider further what they give a life sentence for.
General information
In a number of countries, the use of life imprisonment acts as the only maximum punishment for unlawful acts. In other states where there is another capital measure, it acts as its alternative or in the form of a pardon. It is assigned, for example, for murder. The Criminal Code of the Russian Federation provides for such a measure for acts of special gravity. In some countries, prisoners are not eligible for early release. In a number of states, the imposition of life imprisonment does not mean that the guilty person will serve time until his death. Legislation may allow a maximum period of punishment or parole after a certain time.
Prisons of life imprisonment in Russia
There are several institutions in the country that hold criminals for the rest of their days. These include:
- The Polar Owl. This Russian prison is located in Harp. In it, Pichushkin (Bitsa Maniac), Yevsyukov (former police major) are serving their term.
- Black Golden Eagle. This IR is located in the village of Lozvinsky. Here are Tikhomirov (terrorist), Chudinov, Sedykh (Lipetskiy Chikatilo).
- "Vologda nickel." It is located near Belozersk. In this colony of life imprisonment are Bychkov, Gridin "Lift", Anufriev.
- "White Swan". This Russian prison is located in Solikamsk. Vinogradov’s punishment is being served here, who shot 7 colleagues, Pischikov, Burtsev, Murylev, Volkhov.
- "Black Dolphin". This institution is located in Sol-Iletsk. Brazhnov, the maniacs Nagorny and Mukhankin, as well as the cannibal Nikolaev are serving life here.
Features of the sentence
Articles of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation for which such a severe punishment is established include crimes against the life, health, and sexual integrity of a person under the age of 14. These acts are considered particularly serious. This category also includes crimes against public morality, population, state security and citizens. Earlier for such acts execution was provided for. Currently, the articles of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation do not establish such a punishment in connection with its abolition. This happened at the end of the 20th century.
Exceptions
For especially grave acts (for example, murder), the Criminal Code does not provide for capital punishment if the offender is a woman, an entity who was not 18 years old at the time of the commission of the crime, as well as men who had reached the age of 65 by the time the verdict was passed. The legislation provides for other cases when the specified punishment is not applied. Persons sentenced to serve a term of up to the end of life may be released on parole. This is possible if the court considers that the convict does not need further stay in the penitentiary and has actually served at least 25 years.
Expert opinion
After the life sentence became an alternative to execution, many analysts suggested that there would soon be not enough space in correctional facilities for convicts. However, this opinion has not been confirmed in practice. Appointment of life imprisonment began to be carried out 4 times less than originally anticipated. At the same time, the number of such convicts over the past decades has remained at approximately the same level. In 2005, for example, there were 1,543 people serving life sentences. Over the next five years, 312 people were sentenced. In 2011, there were 1,517 such convicts. From these data it is clear that the number of especially dangerous criminals slightly decreased in previous years. But by 2013, their number increased to 1825.
Features stay in IR
Persons for whom a sentence of life imprisonment was chosen are kept in very strict conditions. There are no concessions for convicts. In the cells where they live, there must be perfect cleanliness. There is always silence in the corridors. Having stayed in such conditions for about 3-4 years, the prisoners become like twins. Their faces become pale, their backs are hunched over, and their eyes are empty. According to psychologists, during the first year, prisoners get used to such harsh conditions. Over the next 3 years, they are at approximately the same stable level and are somewhat similar to biorobots. They execute all commands without thinking about the words they heard. After this comes a certain psychological line. Either the prisoners adapt for eternal residence within the walls of the cell and continue to be like biorobots, or mental and physical degradation occurs. In the latter case, inflammation of the lymph nodes begins, proliferation of the cortical layer of the adrenal glands, and ulcers appear in the gastrointestinal tract. So, convicts begin to die without any external interference.
To date, there is no official statistics on mortality of life prisoners. But it is known that on average they stay in the IC for the first 5-8 years. Prisoners die as a result of natural causes. Exacerbates their state of feeling depressed. In this case, psychological factors have a great influence.
Capital punishment in other states: Australia
The Supreme Court may order life imprisonment for very serious crimes. As a rule, convicts can be released after 10 years of serving. If a policeman was killed, then after 20. In South Wales, with the permission of the governor, capital punishment is applied without leniency to the criminal. Currently, 47 persons have been assigned life sentences, including 1 woman.
USA
In America, depending on the sentence and jurisdiction of the court, life imprisonment may be accompanied by the possibility of release. The period of stay in the relevant institution until the first pardon hearing should be 15–25 years. Life sentence applies in the United States and to citizens under the age of eighteen. Clemency may be permitted by decision of the governor or president.
Turkey
In this country, with life sentences, as a rule, there is no possibility of release. However, it is still provided for in legislation. The period in jail until the first pardon hearing is 15 years. Along with this, “strict” punishment is provided for in Turkey. In case of committing the crimes provided for in the anti-terrorism articles, persons shall serve their sentences until the end of their days without the right to pardon. In order to be released, the convict must convince the special council of his complete repentance, understanding of the gravity of the deed for society and the absence of a threat from it for people.
Finland
Historically, the only person who can give permission for a pardon is the president. Since October 1, 2006, the Helsinki Court of Appeal also has this right. The release of the convict is allowed after 12 years of serving the sentence. If pardon is denied, then the next hearing may be scheduled after 2 years. If the convicted person is pardoned, then release shall be made under three-year supervision. In the absence of violations, a citizen becomes completely free after three years. For convicts who have committed a crime before the age of 21, the first hearing may be scheduled after 10 years of serving. A minor citizen may not be sentenced to life imprisonment.
France
In this country, life sentences can be imposed for high treason, terrorism, intentionally causing aggravated death, drug trafficking and other crimes, the consequences of which are death or torture. According to statistics, an average of 25 people are sentenced annually to France. Release is allowed after 18 years of serving, for repeat offenders - 22 years. Since 1994, the court can establish for murderers of children, if the crime was accompanied by rape or torture, a term of 30 years, or decide that the guilty person cannot be pardoned.
Switzerland
In this country, a life sentence is considered the most stringent measure. She is appointed for especially dangerous crimes. For example, for genocide, murder, hostage-taking, warfare on the side of foreign states against Switzerland. Such punishment is also provided for espionage, treason, cowardice in battle, rebellion, disobedience to orders. This is recorded in the military code of the country. In order to seize the opportunity to be released ahead of schedule, the convict must serve at least 15 years, and in some cases at least 10 years. In the 1980s and 1990s, swindlers committed a series of murders in Switzerland. In response to these crimes, the Civil Committee collected nearly 200 thousand signatures for the proposal to impose severe penalties for such incorrigible persons in the form of being isolated from society until the end of their days. This measure was supported by 56% of those who voted in 2004. And although only the right-wing party supported it, it was introduced into law and came into effect in August 2008.
Estonia
In this country, life sentence means imprisonment to death of the perpetrator. A pardon is theoretically allowed by decision of the president. However, in practice there are no cases of release. Citizens under 18 who are convicted of serious crimes have the opportunity to be pardoned. The maximum period for serving sentences for adolescents is 10 years.
Japan
In this country, life sentence is the second most stringent measure after execution. The punitive laws of Japan do not allow the sentencing of perpetrators to the highest degree in the same way as in other states. The convicted person must be in prison for at least 10 years in order to be able to ask for clemency. Over the years, however, this period has increased. By 2011, he was, for example, 35 years old. At present, the convict must be in prison for at least 20 years. According to statistics, in 2010 in Japan there were 2 criminals who served 60 years in isolation from society without pardon. Imprisonment in this country, as a rule, does not last long. So, for example, those guilty of rape, even with the use of threats and serious insults, are assigned a deferment of punishment, provided that this is their first act.
For murder of the 2nd degree in the presence of extenuating circumstances, the person is sentenced to 5-7 years in prison. A pardon usually occurs after 3-5 years in the absence of a criminal record in the past. Opponents of the execution in Japan advocate alternative long sentences with the condition of being isolated for at least 10 years or for a valid life sentence. In some cases, the period may be shortened. For example, the length of time in prison before a pardon hearing is reduced in the event of the death of the emperor.