When Bilal Skaf was sentenced in 2001 for 55 years for three gang rapes, it was far lengthier than other gang r**e cases before. Although it was reduced on Appeal it is still a longer incarceration than similar cases of the past.
I remember hearing in the media that the validity of cumulative sentences was challenged but failed, hence why long sentences are valid.
In the 1980's, a 'life sentence' was for a maximum of 25 years but usually prisoners were released at around 12 years. Murderers were commonly back on the streets after just a decade in prison, and this is still the norm in western European countries. Then came truth in sentencing legislation in the 1990's and sentences have gotten longer.
This is my understanding, but I could be wrong.
I remember hearing in the media that the validity of cumulative sentences was challenged but failed, hence why long sentences are valid.
In the 1980's, a 'life sentence' was for a maximum of 25 years but usually prisoners were released at around 12 years. Murderers were commonly back on the streets after just a decade in prison, and this is still the norm in western European countries. Then came truth in sentencing legislation in the 1990's and sentences have gotten longer.
This is my understanding, but I could be wrong.
