Murder (Dutch law)


By Dutch law, moord 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. Unlike other countries in Europe, there is no parole for any person sentenced to life imprisonment in the Netherlands. It is one of the few countries in Europe where life imprisonment specifically lasts for the remainder of the life of the convicted person, unless the sentence is commuted or pardoned by the King of the Netherlands. However, such process by the King rarely happens and few such pardons to the King for clemency are ever successful. A common misconception is that the maximum sentence is 30 years : this is the longest sentence that can be imposed other than life imprisonment. Intentionally killing another person without premeditation is called doodslag 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, 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.

Dutch homicide laws