levenslang

Levenslang is the Dutch term for life imprisonment in criminal law. It denotes a sentence in which the offender is deprived of liberty for the remainder of their life. In many jurisdictions that use the term, a life sentence is reserved for the most serious crimes, such as murder or acts of extreme violence.

In practice, a life sentence does not always mean lifelong detention without exception. In the Netherlands, Belgium, and other jurisdictions, inmates may be considered for release after serving a substantial minimum term, and often only under conditions. Release decisions depend on risk assessments, behavior in prison, and ongoing public-safety considerations, with supervision or aftercare typically attached if release is granted.

The concept is distinct from capital punishment; in these countries the death penalty is not applied. Levenslang reflects a policy choice to remove an offender’s liberty for life while retaining the possibility of conditional release under supervision, depending on legal provisions and individual circumstances.