Under Dutch law, moord (murder) is the intentional and premeditated killing of another person.
[2] Intentionally killing another person without premeditation is called doodslag ("deathslaughter", i.e. manslaughter) and carries a maximum sentence of twenty-five years' imprisonment or life if committed under aggravating circumstances ("qualified manslaughter") or as an act of terrorism.
[3][4][5] In the first decade of the 21st century a life sentence was handed out 26 times by Dutch judges.
[6] In addition to a prison sentence, the judge may also sentence the suspect to terbeschikkingstelling (literally: entrustment, i.e. to the State), or TBS in short, meaning detention in a psychiatric institution for treatment, sometimes compulsory.
[7] TBS is imposed for a two-year term but can subsequently be prolonged for one or two years if deemed necessary by a committee of psychiatrists.