Uk Court Backs ‘life Means Life’ Prison Sentences

The judgment comes after the European Court of Human Rights said Britain should review the policy. It ruled last year that whole-life terms amounted to inhuman and degrading treatment because there was no chance the sentence could be reduced. Emilia Diaz-Struck and Joshua Partlow Leopoldo Lopez gave himself up after addressing a demonstration against President Nicolas Maduros policies. 40 more maps that explain the world Max Fisher Ive searched wide and far for maps that can reveal and surprise and inform in ways that the daily headlines might not. But five British judges led by Lord Chief Justice John Thomas said that handing out such sentences in rare and exceptional cases was compatible with the European Convention on Human Rights. They also said the European court had erred in saying the sentences could not be reduced, because the British government already has the power to free prisoners on compassionate grounds where there are exceptional circumstances. There are about 50 prisoners in Britain serving whole-life sentences. The appeals court dismissed a challenge from a convicted murderer against his excessive sentence and ordered that another, triple killer Ian McLoughlin, have his 40-year sentence increased to life. British Attorney general Dominic Grieve applauded the ruling, which he said gives the clarity our judges need. Sentencing of the killers of British soldier Lee Rigby, who were convicted in December, was put on hold until Tuesdays court ruling. Britains Judicial Office said they will now be sentenced Feb. 26. Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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