lifer

A lifer is a person who has been convicted of a crime and sentenced to life imprisonment. The term is informal and widely used in criminal justice discourse. In jurisdictions that allow parole or early release, a lifer may become eligible for review after serving a minimum term; in places that impose life without parole, release is generally not permitted except by clemency, pardon, or commuting the sentence.

Life imprisonment takes various forms. A sentence of life with the possibility of parole generally allows release if a parole board determines the inmate no longer poses a danger after serving the minimum term. A life without parole sentence lasts for the remainder of the inmate’s life in custody. The specific terms, eligibility criteria, and review processes vary by country, state, or province.

Experience in prison for lifers varies widely, including aging populations, access to rehabilitation programs, and health care needs. Parole eligibility, risk assessment, and the balancing of public safety and rehabilitation influence outcomes. Critics of life-with-parole systems argue about fairness, cost, and rates of release, while supporters emphasize deterrence and justice for serious crimes.

Other uses: The term lifer is also used informally to refer to someone who has worked for a single organization or pursued a single career path for a long time. This reflects a broader, non-criminal usage of the word.

See also life imprisonment, parole, clemency, pardon.