Does basic humanity demand that even serious offenders have a chance to prove that they can live a worthwhile life?Should those convicted of the most wicked crimes be sent to prison for the whole of their lives, with no prospect of release however many years may elapse and whatever progress is made in the reform of their characters? This vital question about the nature of our penal regime was considered by the European Court of Human Rights in a recent judgment, and will be decided by Parliament later this month.