What Is Considered Cruel & Unusual Punishment?

Acts that deliberately degrade or inflict pain or injury on prisoners and punishments that are disproportionate to the crime are considered cruel and unusual punishments under the Eighth Amendment.

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What Is Cruel and Unusual Punishment?

Under the Eighth Amendment, anyone convicted of a crime is guaranteed due process. This includes prohibiting cruel and unusual punishment defined as punishment that’s deliberately degrading, a punishment that’s too severe for the crime committed, and acts of violence or torture.

In 1910, the U.S. Supreme Court acknowledged uncertainty about “what constitutes cruel and unusual punishments” under the law. The Eighth Amendment prohibits cruel and unusual punishment related to the following conditions.

Prison Conditions

The Eighth Amendment cruel and unusual punishment clause addresses a prisoner’s conditions of incarceration, stating that prison officials may not deprive inmates of “the basic necessities of life,” including shelter, food, clothing, sanitation, and necessary medical attention. The Supreme Court made the following rulings:

  • Overcrowding – The Supreme Court ruled that prison overcrowding is unconstitutional because it endangers a prisoner’s basic living conditions, health, and safety.
  • Beatings – The Supreme Court ruled that “unnecessary and wanton infliction of pain” such as malicious acts by prison guards used to punish prisoners are considered cruel and unusual punishments.

Proportionality of Sentence

The Supreme Court ruled that the sentence for a crime must not be disproportionate to the crime committed, regardless if it’s a felony or misdemeanor. Certain factors are considered to measure proportionality, such as the severity of the offense, the harshness of the penalty, sentences imposed on other offenders within the same jurisdiction, and sentences imposed on other offenders in different jurisdictions.

Under the Eighth Amendment, no particular term of years in prison is prohibited and the death penalty is not considered cruel and unusual punishment. If arrested in Minnesota, a criminal defense attorney in Minneapolis can work to reduce a harsh sentence that involves time in prison.

Prisoner’s Age

The Supreme Court considers the age of an offender when determining the constitutionality of imprisonment. There are special considerations for sentencing juvenile offenders. The court ruled that it is unconstitutional to impose a life prison sentence on juvenile non-homicide offenders and juvenile homicide offenders without the possibility of parole.

Max Keller has won countless jury trial cases involving misdemeanors and felonies, sex crimes, and DWI’s. He is a member of the Minnesota Society for Criminal Justice, which only allows the top 50 criminal defense attorneys in the state as members. Max is a frequent speaker at CLE’s and is often asked for advice by other defense attorneys across Minnesota.

Years of Experience: Approx. 20 years
Minnesota Registration Status: Active
Bar & Court Admissions: State of Minnesota Minnesota State Court Minnesota Federal Court 8th Circuit Federal Court of Appeals State of Maryland

What to Do If You Have Been Charged with a Criminal Offense

What Happens If You Get a DWI While Riding a Scooter or E-Bike in Minneapolis?

Minnesota DWI laws apply to all types of motorized vehicles using the road. So, you may get arrested and charged with DWI while riding a scooter or E-bike if your blood alcohol concentration is 0.08 or more. The penalties for a DWI conviction may range from driver license suspension or revocation and fines to imprisonment. A conviction may also result in collateral consequences, including job loss and higher auto insurance premiums. A DWI lawyer can minimize the legal consequences or avoid them altogether. So, be sure to retain a lawyer immediately after you get arrested or charged for riding a scooter or e-bike while impaired.

Can a Criminal Record Impact New Charges in Minnesota?

People with prior convictions and facing new charges may wonder, “Can a criminal record impact new charges in Minnesota?” Having a criminal record can influence how the prosecution and court will handle your current charges. The court may deny your bail request or impose strict conditions. It may also impose harsh penalties. The prosecution, on the other hand, may be reluctant to give you a favorable plea deal if you have a prior conviction for a similar or related offense.