and that does complicate things doesn t it? . , . ., , doesn t it? that s right. the courts have a very doesn t it? that s right. the courts have a very limited doesn t it? that s right. the courts have a very limited sentencing - doesn t it? that s right. the courts i have a very limited sentencing power in relation to murder generally and for 18 year olds and above there is a mandatory sentence for those who commit murder of life imprisonment. the courts then are charged with setting a tariff. that is a minimum period that somebody would serve in prison following which they can then apply to the parole board for release. they will always be subject to a licence which means they can be recalled. but provided they are no longer a threat to the public they can be considered for release. for those under 18 and children the law is different. children who are convicted of murder are given a sentence known as being detained at his majesty s pleasure. it s the same thing real