noun
Legal term for a sentence of imprisonment without a fixed term. In Japanese law, parole may be possible after a certain period.
彼は殺人罪で無期刑を言い渡された。
He was sentenced to life imprisonment for murder.
有期刑 is imprisonment for a fixed term, in contrast to the indefinite term of 無期刑.
Compound of 無期 (indefinite, no fixed period) and 刑 (punishment, penalty).