What percentage of life sentence prisoners in 2012 had no possibility of parole?

In 2012, the statistic that approximately 31% of life sentence prisoners were serving their sentences without the possibility of parole reflects the increasing trends in sentencing practices, particularly for violent or severe offenses. This percentage indicates a significant segment of the prison population is subjected to extreme penalties, highlighting the severity of punishment in the criminal justice system. This information underscores broader discussions on the implications of life without parole sentences, such as their impact on prison overcrowding, rehabilitation opportunities, and debates on the efficacy of such sentences in deterring crime. Understanding these trends is crucial in studying corrections and penology, as they inform policies and reforms aimed at the justice system.