By Dutch law, moord (murder) is the intentional and premeditated killing of another person. Murder is punishable by a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, which is the longest prison sentence the law allows. A common misconception is that the maximum sentence is 30 years (20 until 2006): this is the longest sentence that can be imposed other than life imprisonment. Intentionally killing another person without premeditation is called doodslag (manslaughter) and carries a maximum sentence of fifteen years imprisonment or life imprisonment when committed in aggravated circumstances or as an act of terrorism.
In the first decade of the 21st century a life sentence was handed out 26 times by Dutch judges. They will all die in prison unless given parole by Royal decree. In addition to a prison sentence, the judge may sentence the suspect to terbeschikkingstelling (literary: for entrustment), or TBS, meaning detention in a psychiatric institution, sometimes including forced treatment. TBS is imposed for a two years but can be prolonged for one or two years if deemed necessary by a committee of psychiatrists. Normal TBS can only be prolonged up to a term of four or nine years, whereas compulsory TBS can be prolonged indefinitely.