I cannot support a bill that abolishes life sentences. There are some criminals that are just too dangerous to be released back into society. With that said, I do think rehabilitation is important to emphasize for many prisoners. I will propose the following amendment that can hopefully serve as a decent compromise:
Permanent Punishment Abolition Act
SENATE BILL
Be it enacted by the House of Representatives and the Senate of the Republic of Atlasia in Congress assembled,
SECTION I: NAME
1. This may be cited as the Permanent Punishment Abolition Reform Act
SECTION II: ABOLITION OF PERMANENT PUNISHMENTS
1. No federal crimes punishable according to federal laws may carry an indefinite or otherwise permanent sentence of prison
2. No federal crimes punishable according to federal laws may carry a prison sentence longer than 40 years in prison.
1. Upon expiration of a maximum 40-year prison term the 40-year anniversary of an indefinite prison sentence, the court of original jurisdiction shall review convicts seeking release and decide whether release shall or shall not be granted on the basis of (a) the gravity of the crime for which they were convicted, and (b) whether the convict has shown positive signs of rehabilitation. Prison terms may be extended indefinitely in five-year increments.
2. Prisoners over the age of 75 shall be given the option to finish have a review conducted by the original court of jurisdiction on whether to allow the remainder of their sentence under home arrest instead of in prison. This shall not apply to prisoners convicted of terrorism or belonging to other illegal organizations; including but not limited to mafias and criminal gangs.
3. Current offenders who have served more than 40 years in prison shall be subject to mandatory review upon enactment of this act.
SECTION III: FURTHER ENCOURAGING BETTER USE OF PRISON SENTENCES
1. The Atlasian Congress hereby encourages the regions to pass similar bills to this one for the reduction of prison sentences.
2. The Atlasian Congress hereby establishes that the main guiding principle of the justice system shall be rehabilitation and not punishment, and that all prisoners shall be given the support they need towards their reintegration in society after their prison sentences expire.
SECTION IV: ENACTMENT
1. This bill shall be enacted 1 week after passage
