These decisions are made by judges and juries, in accordance with state laws and sentencing guidelines. The department is solely responsible for the care and custody of offenders under its jurisdiction. Inmates still aren't serving most of their sentences. Prisons are air-conditioned. In addition, Union CI was built in 1913 and has since been renovated with some of the older buildings constructed in the 70's with air-conditioning.
Facilities built under the privatization contract are air-conditioned.
Inmates who get life sentences don't really stay in prison for life. Today anyone sentenced to life in prison will serve a life term.