Life Imprisonment as a Hallmark of Mass Incarceration

Abstract

This chapter presents the view that the expansion of life imprisonment was a tactic of mass incarceration and an integral part of the mentality that governed the era. Despite the key role, those serving the longest sentences have been excluded from recent legislative reforms because the corresponding crimes usually involve violence. Aggressive steps will need to be taken to recalibrate the system to one that responds to the most serious and violent crimes using principles of accountability combined with fairness, equity, and mercy. With these principles as the guiding light in reform, it is reasonable to foresee the era of mass incarceration fading into history.