Cruel And Unusual Punishment Flashcards, test questions and answers

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What is Cruel And Unusual Punishment?

Cruel and unusual punishment is a phrase used to describe any punishment that is considered too harsh, inhuman, or degrading. It can include physical torture, life imprisonment without parole, or death penalty. This phrase originated from the Eighth Amendment of the United States Constitution which prohibits cruel and unusual punishments. The concept of cruel and unusual punishment has been around for centuries and is recognized as a fundamental human right across many countries.There are various forms of cruel and unusual punishment that exist in different parts of the world. In some nations, corporal punishment such as flogging or whipping is still practiced although it has been declared illegal by international law. Other forms of cruel and unusual punishment include solitary confinement, public shaming, execution without due process or torture including severe physical pain such as water boarding. In recent years there have been numerous cases involving cruel and unusual punishments being given out to inmates in prisons across the United States. For example in 2013 a mentally ill prisoner was subjected to solitary confinement for nearly three years despite calls from mental health experts for his release. In another case an inmate received an eight-year sentence after he was found guilty of stealing $5 worth of snacks from a store even though this crime usually results in a fine or probation at most. These types of cases demonstrate how easy it can be for someone to receive an excessive sentence that amounts to cruel and unusual punishment even when they are not convicted with serious crimes like murder or rape. The use of cruel and unusual punishments should not be tolerated under any circumstances due to their immoral nature as well as their potential negative impact on society at large by creating further cycles of violence rather than promoting rehabilitation amongst those who are behind bars. Governments must ensure that their enforcement agencies abide by international standards when administering justice so that those who are wrongfully accused do not face unfair sentences which amount to acts defined as cruel and unnatural. Additionally citizens should petition their government representatives when they become aware about instances where individuals receive excessively harsh sentences so that such practices can be stopped before they become widespread within our criminal justice system.