How many prisoners were serving life sentences in 2012?

The number of prisoners serving life sentences in 2012 was approximately 159,520. This figure reflects the growing trend in the United States towards longer sentences and the increasing use of life imprisonment, often as a result of mandatory minimum sentencing laws and "three strikes" laws. The data emphasize not only the severity of penalties for certain crimes but also the impact on the overall prison population.

Understanding this number in the context of prison reform discussions is crucial, as it highlights challenges faced by the corrections system, including overcrowding, the costs associated with managing long-term inmates, and debates surrounding the moral and social implications of life sentences without the possibility of parole. This statistic can serve as a point of reference when evaluating legislative changes and their effects on incarceration rates.