Why do judges sometimes give 2 life sentences to murders?

Question

Does this mean that for 100 years after they are dead their body is still in the prison? I dont understand why they cant just say "you will be in prison until you die" instead of " i hearby sentence you to 2 consecutive life terms in prison"

Additional Details

I was referring to how ironic it is that they give 2 sentences when only one is needed. I really didnt need that 3 paragraph explanation on the different sentences given to people who commit crimes and the difference between concurrent and consective. I was in face referring to CONSECUTIVE terms. If someone gets 2 life terms they obviously are going to die before the second one because the first on is a LIFE TERM. I just think its ironic.

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker

Judges formally have to give 2 consecutive life sentences because thats the punishment the crimes calls for. Of course it does not mean their bodies sit in jail after they die, it would rot!
If it was only 1 person that was murdered, the person could get two life sentences because one would be for the act of homicide while the other might be for a felony the defendant was committing simultaneously with the crime. (I.E. A person commits first degree sexual assault then murders the victim during the same act.)

The point it, the judge must formally give the defendant his sentencing. But you are right, the symantics and logic of "you will be in prison until you die" serves the same purpose but the first one is much less grusom to the listeners ear.

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Asker's Comment:

I'm glad you understood the point that I was trying to make. I wasnt really looking for an answer, just pointing out the irony.

Answer 2

To ensure that they die in prison!

Answer 3

They do it to decrease their chance of early parole.

Answer 4

It is said because they were found guilty of multiple counts of murder and the punishment is life in prison

Answer 5

Most states have laws that allow appeals. If they end up getting off on some technicality...they can gloat in prison on the 2nd sentence..

Answer 6

actually a life sentence is only around 40 years, so they do multiple life sentances so they add up. Each place is different on there life sentence and how long it is.

Answer 7

They get the sentence the crimes deserve. The thought even how ironic of someone getting 2 life sentences brings little comfort to the survivors of the victim but at least it's something. Plus the sound of it is supposed to be a deterrent. Who knows if it is.

Answer 8

A life sentence is 99 years. It sometimes you can get out sooner for good behavior, the second life term makes sure you don't get out that easily. It depends on the terms of the sentence. It is mostly to make a point.

Answer 9

There is a difference between a concurrent sentence and a consecutive sentence.

If a man is sentenced to 2 life sentences and they are to run concurrently, the convicted man does both sentences as though he was doing one. The prisoner becomes eligible for parole/probation after the completion of the one sentence.

When the convicted man gets two 25 years to life sentences to run concurrently, he becomes eligible for parole/probation after the required time, but serves no more than 25 years in jail for the two crimes.

If the convicted prisoner is given two life sentences and the two sentences are to be run consecutively, then the convicted man will serve both sentences and when the first sentence has been terminated, he will begin all over again and complete the second sentence. And, then become eligible for parole/probation after the completion of both sentences.

When the convicted man is given two life sentences of 25 years, he must serve each sentence seperately, that may include parole/probation, for the full 25 years + 25 years or 50 years.

A note should be mentioned here. Many times judges will hand out consecutive sentences when the matter, or crime, has a high profile. More often than if the crime didn't get any public notice.

The Mothers Aganist Drunk Driving often sit in the courthouse and watch as cases are heard and are there when sentencing is handed down in drunk driving cases. For the exact same class of crime and for conviction, I have seen the convicted man/woman receive less time.

If you want to have justice done, as diificult as it may be, attend the court proceedings.

To answer the question, plain and simple. That's the way the law is written. If you have any problem with the way felony court convictions are handed down, take it up with members of the State Legislature in your state.

Source(s):

As a corrections officer I worked in the courthouse hearing criminal cases...

Answer 10

Life sentences do not always mean life in prison without parole. People with 1 life sentence can get out well before their death if they are paroled. By giving 2 consecutive life sentences, the person begins serving the 2nd one as soon as "paroled" for the first, thereby making it closer to an actual life sentence.