0 the punishment of being put in prison for a very long time, or, in the US, until death --
Far too many of the criminals involved receive a lesser sentence even though they might face a life sentence.
I will give an example of circumstances in which an acquittal might take place if an automatic life sentence loomed.
In serious cases which do not attract a life sentence, offenders normally receive long fixed sentences.
Some of those people will be eligible for the automatic life sentence under clause 1 and will be supervised for life.
I can cite a few cases involving repeat offenders in which no life sentence was delivered.
The automatic life sentence will ensure that that is the case.
I should think it does not mean a life sentence, but that they should be let out in accordance with the ordinary practice.
The sentence could be less than a life sentence, but would automatically be called a life sentence.
