I often read cases where a murderer is sentenced to, for example 20,654 years in jail. Where do they arrive at such astronomical figures, and would it not be easier to just say, for the rest of that persons natural life?

zbeckabee

First, in a case with multiple victims, each family might find solace in knowing the criminal received a specific punishment for each crime. Second, the prosecutor might want multiple sentences on the books in case some were overturned on appeal. Third, the court could use back-to-back sentences to emphasize the crime's severity to the governor or the board of pardons. http://www.slate.com/id/2124796/nav/tap3/ Dec 22 07, 12:24 PM