Lifer (Without Parole) in Prison

Approximately 600 individuals are in prison sentenced to remain for the rest of their natural life. These men and a few women were convicted by jury trial of first-degree murder, either felony-murder or premeditation, and are not eligible for parole.

Who are the lifers? They are black, white, brown, red and yellow, from both city and countryside, and many never intended to kill a soul. A high percentage did not actually murder anyone, but were present or knew of the homicide. First-degree lifers are usually first time offenders and older than the average convicted felon.

Of the three ways for release, death is the most common way for lifers to leave prison. Both commutation and appellate review efforts have been unsuccessful at an overwhelming rate. Only 4 commutation petitions have been approved this decade and since 1990, very few first-degree murder appeals have produced favorable results.

Since 1988, first degree lifers have been confined to the maximum/medium institutions and this political policy is having a devastating effect upon the convicted felon and the family network. Regardless of the personal strides and self-improvement, the lifer will probably never return to the community. There is no degree of remorse that will ever restore life into a homicide victim. A small price to pay for freedom.

Death penalty opponents highlight "life without parole" as an alternative to capital punishment. Although this sentence is an option, as life is always better than death, it is clearly not the only choice. Statistics indicate that the death penalty is not a deterrent to murder and violent crime. Additional research should provide evidence that harsh punishments are ineffective in reducing violent behavior. The use of conflict-resolution techniques has a greater impact than the "get tough" policies that removed hope for the 600 lifers.