The report examines the legal position vis-a-vis the rights and duties of prisoners serving life sentences. The effects of life imprisonment manifest themselves in both psychological and physical effects. The report discusses the treatment of life-sentence prisoners in terms of general considerations, specific treatment programs, and open conditions and contact with the outside world. Some factors related to the assessment of the suitability of prisoners for conditional release include procedures, risk evaluation, and public and political pressure. A separate chapter deals with prerelease and postrelease procedures. The report concludes with recommendations in the areas of training and treatment, staff, review procedures, release of prisoners, and research. 44 notes