Cruel And Unusual Punishment Legal Meaning and Definition

Here is a simplified definition of the legal term Cruel And Unusual Punishment.

Cruel and Unusual Punishment (noun)

Cruel and Unusual Punishment refers to punishment methods that are deemed extremely harsh, inhumane, or barbaric at the societal level. It is prohibited by the Eighth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. This regulation prevents extreme penalties or forms of punishment that are way beyond the severity of the committed crime. If such punishments are imposed, the defendant has the responsibility to demonstrate the excessive nature of the punishment relative to similar cases in various states. This term is significant in maintaining human rights and upholding justice in legal procedures.