Skip Content

Publications · Sentencing and the law

Life sentences for murder

A guide for young people detained at His Majesty's Pleasure (HMP)

  • Published: 2025

  • Pages: 15

  • Publisher: The Howard League for Penal Reform

Downloads

Life sentences for murder

Those who are convicted of murder as children receive a particular type of life sentence called ‘detention at His Majesty’s Pleasure’.

This guide explains how these sentences work. It is aimed at those who are at the start of their sentence, but may also be useful to those further on in their sentence.

This guide does not constitute legal advice and is provided for general information purposes only. The information in the guide is correct as of February 2025.

  • Join the Howard League

    We are the world's oldest prison charity, bringing people together to advocate for change.

    Join us and make your voice heard

  • Support our work

    We safeguard our independence and do not accept any funding from government.

    Make a donation