I think what they are saying is that the law needs to be clear and above board.
If the crime justifies shutting someone up for life, then write the law so they get sentenced to life w/o parole.
If the crime justifies 10 years, then write the law so they get 10 years.
Either one of these is fine.
What doesn't make any sense is saying that the crime justifies being shut away for life, but we will have a law that says they get 10 years, and then when they're out there are more laws that basically make it illegal for them to exist anywhere.
Spot on... and I TOTALLY AGREE.