
We the People: Cruel and Unusual Punishment
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Origins of the Eighth Amendment
This chapter explores the historical context leading to the Eighth Amendment, emphasizing the influence of English governance and the Monmouth Rebellion. It discusses significant figures like Cesare Beccaria and the impact of Enlightenment ideals on the evolution of American criminal justice. The narrative traces the development of the prohibition against cruel and unusual punishments, culminating in debates over the Eighth Amendment's interpretation and its implications for justice.
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