I just read in the paper that a man is getting life in prison plus 20 years. What does that mean? How can extra years be added on to a life sentence?

In brief, that means he isn't ever getting out.

Some prisoners get time off for good behavior. Thus, life plus 20 might be reduced to only life plus 10 if the guy polishes the warden's shoes on a regular basis or makes a really mean meatloaf.

Ah, okay. Thanks.

Jusork, sometime criminals are even sentenced to two life sentences. Imagine that!