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| Fair trial · Speedy trial · Jury trial Counsel · Presumption of innocence Exclusionary rule1 Self-incrimination · Double jeopardy2 |
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| Conviction · Acquittal Not proven3 · Directed verdict |
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| Mandatory · Suspended · Custodial Dangerous offender4, 5 Capital punishment · Execution warrant Cruel and unusual punishment |
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| Post-sentencing | ||||||
| Parole · Probation Tariff6 · Life licence6 Miscarriage of justice Exoneration · Pardon |
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| Criminal defenses · Criminal law Evidence · Civil procedure |
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| Law · Criminal justice | ||||||
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In the British criminal justice system, a life licence specifies the conditions under which a prisoner sentenced to life in jail may be released.
A prisoner who has served their tariff (minimum sentence) becomes eligible for parole. If the parole board agrees to release a prisoner who was sentenced to life, he or she is released on a life licence. Prisoners who break the conditions of their release, or who are found to be a danger to the public, can be immediately re-incarcerated under the terms of this licence.
For England and Wales, the law regarding release on licence of prisoners is laid out in chapter 2 of the Crime (Sentences) Act of 1997 (see in particular sections 28–30). This Act was amended and updated by the Criminal Justice Act 2003 chapters 6 and 7.
For Scotland, the law is set out in the Prisoners and Criminal Proceedings (Scotland) Act 1993, as amended in relation to life prisoners by the Convention Rights (Compliance) (Scotland) Act 2001, which incorporated changes to ensure that the procedure is compliant with the European Convention on Human Rights.
External links
- The Crime (Sentences) Act 1997 from the Office of Public Sector Information
- The Criminal Justice Act 2003 from the Office of Public Sector Information
- Consultation Document from Scottish Sentencing Commission, including consolidated text of Scottish legislation
