Life imprisonment means that the convicted person is sentenced to remain in prison for the rest of their natural life, unless they are pardoned or their sentence is commuted to a fixed term

. However, the actual time spent in prison can vary significantly depending on the jurisdiction and the type of life sentence imposed.

General Understanding of Life Sentences:

• A life sentence always lasts for life in legal terms, but often includes a minimum term (tariff) that must be served before the prisoner is eligible to apply for parole

• If released on parole, the individual remains on licence for life and can be recalled to prison if deemed a risk to the public, even without committing a new offence

• Some jurisdictions impose a "whole life order," meaning the offender spends their entire life in prison without parole

Variations by Country and Sentence Type:

Country/Region| Typical Minimum Term Before Parole Eligibility| Notes
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United Kingdom| Often starts at 15, 20, or 30 years depending on crime seriousness; average time served ~16.5 years| Whole life terms reserved for most serious crimes; parole possible after minimum term6
United States| Minimum terms often 25 years before parole eligibility; consecutive life sentences add up (e.g., 3 life sentences = 75 years minimum)45| Indeterminate life sentences allow parole; determinate life sentences do not4
Ireland| Minimum 12 years before parole consideration; average time served ~18 years, some serve 30+ years7| Parole board reviews periodically; length varies by case7
Germany| No legal maximum term for parole; average parole term about 5 years, longer rare8| Life imprisonment can be shorter in practice due to parole8

Summary:

• A life sentence legally means imprisonment for the rest of a person's life.
• Practically, many life sentences include a minimum term after which parole may be granted.
• Some offenders receive whole life orders with no possibility of parole.
• Time actually served varies widely by country, crime, and sentencing laws, ranging from about 12 years minimum to life without parole.

Thus, "life in prison" can mean anything from a fixed minimum term (often 15-30 years) before parole eligibility, to spending the entire natural life in prison without release.