Use of Life Imprisonment Sentence
Although sentences vary for each state, generally the life imprisonment sentences are mandatory sentences for first degree murder, particularly when the first degree murder is done during the commission of another felony (the felony murder rule), and/or there are other aggravating circumstances present (such as is common for rapes which precede such murders, or the first degree murder of any law enforcement official or other public servant) in states without the death penalty, and as an (or the only) alternative sentence in states that have the death penalty and in federal and military courts.
It may be given for "drug kingpins" and "habitual criminals". It has been applied in every state except Alaska and New Mexico, as well as in the federal courts.
Read more about this topic: Life Imprisonment In The United States
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—Mason Cooley (b. 1927)
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—H.L. (Henry Lewis)