Based on a two-part study, this book examines the courts' interpretation of murder and the management of those serving life sentences for murder. It discusses the law, legal reforms, life imprisonment and the possibilities for releasing "lifers" without endangering the public.

Part 1 A legal and sociological examination of murder: the law - present and future; an examination of murder; brief sketches of the cases; future definitions and concepts of murder. Part 2 The management of life-sentence prisoners: life imprisonment - policy and practice; methodology; an analysis of the interviews and prison records; a sample of the interviews with lifers; some thoughts and suggestions of managers and staff; conclusions and implications.