Document Type
Article
Publication Date
Spring 4-12-2018
Journal / Book Title
The Prison Journal
Abstract
Virtual life sentences are sentences with a term of years that exceed an individual’s natural life expectancy. This exploratory study is one of the first to collect data that establish the existence, prevalence, and scope of virtual life sentences in state prisons in the United States. Initial data reveal that more than 31,000 people in 26 states are serving virtual life sentences for violent and nonviolent offenses, and suggest racial disparities in the distribution of these sentences. This study also presents potential policy implications and suggestions for future research.
DOI
DOI10.1177/0032885518764915
MSU Digital Commons Citation
Henry, J. S., Salvatore, C., & Pugh, B.-E. (2018). Virtual Life Sentences: An Exploratory Study. The Prison Journal, 98(3), 294–313. https://doi.org/10.1177/0032885518764915
Published Citation
Henry, J. S., Salvatore, C., & Pugh, B.-E. (2018). Virtual Life Sentences: An Exploratory Study. The Prison Journal, 98(3), 294–313. https://doi.org/10.1177/0032885518764915
Included in
Courts Commons, Criminal Law Commons, Criminal Procedure Commons, Criminology and Criminal Justice Commons, International Humanitarian Law Commons, Other Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons