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Book: The U.S. Constitution in Five Minutes

Chapter: 54. Cruel and Unusual Punishments

DOI: 10.1558/equinox.43614

Blurb:

The 8th Amendment’s Cruel and Unusual Punishment Clause helps protect and guarantee due process for individuals charged and convicted of criminal offenses. Despite its importance, the amendment is vague, and people, including judges, disagree about the standard the courts should use when determining what cruel and unusual is.

Chapter Contributors

  • Taneisha N. Means (tmeans@vassar.edu - tnmeans) 'Vassar College'