A sentence is defined, in part, as the punishment assigned to a defendant found guilty by a court, or fixed by law for a particular offense. The sentence served by an individual is society’s way of making sure that person is taken off of the streets while they’re being rehabilitated safely away from the public.

However, parole reform advocates would have you believe that sentences don’t matter after a certain age as they push legislation that would guarantee a chance at a parole hearing for all inmates – regardless of the crime or whether they’ve served the minimum sentence – ages 55 and older who have served at least 15 years. Never mind that the person may be a murderer. Never mind that the person may be a serial rapist. Never mind that the person may be a pedophile. Those pushing this legislation want you to believe that the second those violent criminals turn 55, they become peaceful, productive members of society.

That mindset flies in the face of reality and common sense. It spits in the faces of victims who will be continually traumatized because some lawmakers think that a particular age makes you a rehabilitated person. All crimes are not created equal and are not treated as such in the courtroom. So, who gives those behind this legislation the right to put all crimes and all sentences on the same playing field? Serial violent criminals are behind bars for a reason, and they should be kept there. Just because violent criminals turn 55, doesn’t mean they’ve magically become standup citizens.