Cruel and Unusual Handout
A graphic organizer to help student organize material on Supreme Court cases focusing on the Eighth Amendment.
Cruel and Unusual Handout
Guiding Question
- How has the Supreme Court ruled on questions around “cruel and unusual punishment”?
Objectives
- I can explain what principles guide our understanding of cruel and unusual punishment and how the Court has defined cruel and unusual punishment.
Directions: Read each scenario. Decide if the punishment should be considered “cruel and unusual.” Explain your reasoning.
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Scenario |
Cruel and Unusual? |
Explain your thoughts |
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A city has rules that ban any person from residing in or sleeping in public spaces maintained by the city (such as parks, parking lots, and city buildings) for extended periods. After 72 hours (3 days), the person will be fined or, after repeat offenses, jailed. |
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While on parole for previous crimes, a man stole 3 golf clubs, worth approximately $400 each from a golf course. He was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison. |
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Administrators at a middle school paddled disruptive students as a form of discipline for tardiness and disruptive behavior. |
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An Army private was disciplined for deserting his post and dishonorably discharged. Years later, he applied for a passport and was denied due to lack of citizenship. His citizenship had been stripped as punishment for his misbehavior during his service. |