Tragedy at University of Idaho

[Phrozen Sands]

Originally Posted by cheerfulgreek

So I think what you’re talking about is if someone is sentenced to life without parole, there’s like a technical loophole. I mean, it’s unlikely, but I think it’s where a future governor or clemency board could intervene? I’ve seen judges and prosecutors often state this during sentencing to clarify that while parole isn’t an option, there’s still like a theoretical path to release, even if it’s politically or practically impossible.

And honestly, that’s part of the problem. Because when you create legal systems that say “life without parole,” but still leave even a sliver of possibility for political override, it shakes public trust. Victims families are told it’s final, but there’s always some kind of footnote. I just think it blurs the line between justice and negotiation, and in a country where influence and money already bend the system, loopholes like that feel less like fairness and more like a back door that only opens for certain people.

I just think accountability shouldn’t come with an asterisk.

Then what’s the point of saying life in prison without parole? That’s really stupid and makes no sense. No parole should mean no parole.

[cheerfulgreek]

Originally Posted by Phrozen Sands

Then what’s the point of saying life in prison without parole? That’s really stupid and makes no sense. No parole should mean no parole.

Right?? I mean, that’s literally what I’ve always thought too. Like, if you say “life without parole”, that should be it. Period. No fine print, no “well technically, if the moon is in retrograde and a governor 30 years from now gets sentimental…” uhh… yeah. No.

But apparently, there’s always this tiny back door left open, like clemency or a pardon, even if it’s super rare. It’s more of a legal technicality than a realistic option, but still. I think they do it to give the justice system flexibility in case something comes to light, like wrongful conviction? Maybe? I don’t really know exactly. But let’s be honest, it also makes it feel like even the most final sounding sentences have a “maybe” clause. Know what I mean? And for victims families? That’s gotta be brutal.

So yeah… I agree with you, Phrozen. No parole should mean no parole. Not “mostly no” with a legal asterisk.

“Justice” in America depends less on what’s right, and more on what can be proven and collected. It makes sense but doesn’t make sense too, depending on the crime.