In the American legal system, judges often impose sentences of hundreds of years in prison for serious crimes, even though it's evident that no one could serve such lengthy terms within a single lifetime. This practice, known as "virtual life" or "functional life" sentencing, serves several purposes within the American criminal justice framework. #VirtualLifeSentencing Firstly, it reflects the severity of the crime committed and acts as a form of symbolic justice. By imposing lengthy sentences, judges send a message to society that certain crimes will not be tolerated and that perpetrators will face significant consequences. This serves as a deterrent to potential offenders and reassures the public that justice is being served. #SymbolicJustice Secondly, virtual life sentences ensure that individuals convicted of heinous crimes are kept off the streets for as long as possible, minimizing the risk of reoffending and protecting the community from further harm. E