In the United States, a life sentence means that a person is sentenced to spend the rest of their life in prison. However, its actual duration can vary depending on the jurisdiction and the specifics of the sentence. In some cases, a life sentence includes the possibility of parole, meaning the person could be released after serving a set minimum number of years, often ranging from 15 to 25 years. In other instances, a life sentence may be without the possibility of parole, meaning the individual will remain in prison for life. Multiple life sentences may also be given for severe crimes, ensuring the offender stays incarcerated permanently.