Cruel and Unusual Punishment
/ˈkruːəl ænd ʌnˈjuːʒuəl pʌnɪʃmənt/
Definitions
- (n.) Punishment prohibited by constitutional or statutory law because it is inhumane, excessive, or disproportionate to the offense.
The Supreme Court ruled that the death penalty under certain conditions constitutes cruel and unusual punishment.
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Commentary
This term primarily arises within constitutional law contexts, especially U.S. law, to assess legality and constitutionality of penal sanctions.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.