Livstids

Livstids is a term used in several Nordic languages to refer to a life imprisonment sentence. It denotes a punishment in which an offender is confined for an indeterminate period, typically for serious crimes such as murder or terrorism. The exact legal meaning and length of the sentence vary by jurisdiction, and may include both life-without-parole and life-with-parole regimes.

In many systems, a life sentence is not necessarily a guaranteed lifelong confinement. Some jurisdictions set a minimum term after which a prisoner can seek conditional release or parole, subject to risk assessments and continued public safety considerations. Other systems provide automatic review or allow for release only under specific circumstances. When release is possible, it is usually accompanied by supervision and strict conditions.

The administration of livstids involves courts, parole boards, and correctional authorities, and decisions are guided by factors such as rehabilitation progress, behavior in prison, risk to society, and the availability of community supports. The concept reflects broader penal policy debates about deterrence, rehabilitation, and human rights.

Terminology differs across countries, but the core idea remains: a punishment intended to last for life or until release after review. The term is used in Danish and Norwegian, with equivalents in Swedish and other languages, and is a focal point in discussions about long-term imprisonment and the treatment of violent offenders.