House of lords stop the home secretary increasing sentances.

[The PIT]

In some cases where Judges have been leniant (Or daft more likely) the home secretary could increase the sentance. Not anymore until Blunkett puts through new legistration to get around this which he is.
At the moment if you get five years you're out in two and half and thats excluding weekend release for good behaviour.

[Dr Mordrid]

Here in the states we have what are called "truth in sentencing" laws. If you're sentenced to 5 years it's 5 years....period. "Life" means the remainder of your days and not 7-20 years as it did in many states previous to such legislation.

We also have "habitual offender" laws that put you away forever if you get 3 felony convictions.

Dr. Mordrid