The Fiscal and Human Costs of Life without Parole

• In Event: Life Sentencing in America: Current Trends and New Avenues of Research

Abstract

Over the last three decades, there has been an alarming rise in the use of life without the possibility of parole (LWOP) as a punishment in the US. After describing how the punishment is used nationally and internationally, we will consider the fiscal and human costs of LWOP and recommend its abolition. As an alternative, we recommend the use of a modified life with the possibility of parole (MLWP) sentence and contend that it meets the important aims of a LWOP sentence (e.g., incapacitating offenders); however, given its lower fiscal and human costs, MLWP is preferable to LWOP. With MLWP, inmates would be eligible for—but not guaranteed—release after serving a set number of years (e.g., 25 years).

Authors

• Margaret E. Leigey, The College of New Jersey

• Doris Schartmueller, California State University, Chico