Eli5: Why does the US justice system hand out sentences longer than anyone can possibly live?

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Reports on the Ron Jeremy trial state he could be sentenced to between 250 years to life in jail. This seems nonsensical considering 250 years more than amounts to life in jail.

Why not just sentence him to the rest of his natural life in jail if found guilty. What’s the benefit of considering an incredibly long and impossible sentence?

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6 Answers

Anonymous 0 Comments

Think of it like money.

If you go to a restaurant and eat a $250 meal consisting of appetizers, drinks, 3 courses and dessert….you don’t get to say “Yeah, I’m minimum wage, here’s 30 bucks”

If someone is convicted of crimes with sentencing guidelines that add up to 250 years, the judge isn’t gonna say “Meh, he doesn’t look like he’s gonna last more than 30 years. I’ll sentence him to that.”

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