Do prisoners serve full sentences?

[Liam79]

I was interested to know how long prisoners serve when they get sentenced. Why are they not made to serve the full sentence. Is there a reason behind this?

[CooperD]

It depends on the length of the sentence. Any sentence under four years then they would serve half in prison then a certain period on licence under supervision of the probation service. Any sentence over four years then they could apply for parole and be released after serving half their sentence if this was granted. If they didn't get paroled then they would serve two thirds of their sentence and be released with a further period under licence with probation supervision. With lifers they have to serve a minimum period before being considered for parole. This is called their tariff. There is no guarantee that they will be paroled after this period as it depends on their behaviour in prison and various other things, but if a life prisoner is given a tariff of 12 years then he cannot apply for parole until he has served this time.

[blindswelledrat]

Liam79 said:

Why are they not made to serve the full sentence. Is there a reason behind this?

I think the whole basis of our prison system is supposed to be rehabilitation as opposed to punishment. THus if someone seemingly behaves themselves then they are considered eligible for monitored release. Or something.
Load of nonsense really.

[Puggit]

No

[Silent1]

Puggit said:

No

That's not true, if you're a cock in prison then they won't release you early.

[voicey]

Silent1 said:

That's not true, if you're a cock in prison then they won't release you early.

Also, prisons are full of people who have been recalled for breaching the terms of their parole.