Offers depth on the topic not available yet based on its inclusion of empirical research related to current inmates and is therefore an important contribution to a growing but limited area of research. The topic is of increasing interest to penology, criminology, criminal justice and law modules. It is timely, as with more states abolishing the death penalty, research on common alternative penalties is valuable, and as a result the issue of LWOP is gaining more attention Both qualitative and quantitative studies will inspire and enhance scholarly and policy debates on this issue.

Offers depth on the topic not available yet based on its inclusion of empirical research related to current inmates and is therefore an important contribution to a growing but limited area of research. The topic is of increasing interest to penology, criminology, criminal justice and law modules. It is timely, as with more states abolishing the death penalty, research on common alternative penalties is valuable, and as a result the issue of LWOP is gaining more attention Both qualitative and quantitative studies will inspire and enhance scholarly and policy debates on this issue.