Irish Examiner view: The meaning of life when it comes to murder

Sentencing policy to be reviewed in Ireland

In this 1970 photo, Charles Manson followers, from left, Susan Atkins, Patricia Krenwinkel and Leslie Van Houten walk to court to appear for their roles in the 1969 cult killings of seven people in Los Angeles. Krenwinkel is now due to be released. Picture: AP Photo/George Brich

How long is life, when it refers to a sentence for murder? It’s a question which varies from jurisdiction to jurisdiction and never fails to generate debate.

In California, a parole panel has just recommended the release of Patricia Krenwinkel, 74, for the first time in more than five decades. She is the oldest, and longest-serving, female inmate of that state’s penal system.