Cruel and Unusual Punishment

Definition

Punishment prohibited by the Eighth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution; includes torture or other forms of punishment too severe for the crime committed.

Related terms

Eighth Amendment: As mentioned above, it prohibits excessive bail amounts and cruel and unusual punishment.

Due Process Clause: Part of the 14th Amendment that safeguards from arbitrary denial of life, liberty, or property by the government outside the sanction of law.

Roper v. Simmons (2005): A landmark Supreme Court case that ruled it unconstitutional to impose capital punishment for crimes committed while under the age of 18.