In Denmark, a life sentence (Danish: Livsvarigt fængsel) is the most severe punishment available under the Penal Code, and is reserved for the most serious crimes.
If the petition is granted, the Justice Minister or his designee issues a pardon, subject to a parole period of up to 5 years.
[2] In recent times, all receiving a life sentence have been murderers; however, a person who commits treason, uses force against the Danish Parliament, commits espionage during wartime, engages in terrorism, commits arson under circumstances that are life-threatening, hijacks a vehicle under aggravated circumstances, or willfully releases nuclear substances is eligible for a life sentence.
[6][7] A review covering 1990–2011 showed that, on average, a person with a custody sentence was released after 14 years and 7 months.
[8] A person 15 to 18 years old at the time of their crime can not receive a life sentence, but is eligible for all other penalties in the Penal Code.