cruel and unusual punishment

noun

: punishment that is very harsh and too severe for the crime

The law forbids cruel and unusual punishment.

Examples of cruel and unusual punishment in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

His attorneys with the legal nonprofit Federal Defender Services of Idaho have argued in federal court that a second attempt to execute their client would represent cruel and unusual punishment in violation of his Eighth Amendment rights. —Kevin Fixler, Idaho Statesman, 29 Apr. 2025

The lawsuit argues the heat in Texas prisons can amount to cruel and unusual punishment. —Lauren Irwin, The Hill, 27 Mar. 2025

Most recently, the Florida Supreme Court rejected an argument that his longtime use of drugs and alcohol and several head injuries led to a mental decline that would make executing him cruel and unusual punishment. —arkansasonline.com, 21 Mar. 2025

Most recently, the Florida Supreme Court rejected an argument that his longtime use of drugs and alcohol, several head injuries and a heart attack in 2023 led to a mental decline that would make executing him cruel and unusual punishment. —Curt Anderson, Orlando Sentinel, 20 Mar. 2025

Legal Definition

cruel and unusual punishment

noun

cruel and un·​usu·​al punishment

: punishment that is offensive to the contemporary morality or jurisprudence (as by being degrading, inflicting unnecessary and intentional pain, or being disproportionate to the offense)

nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted

—U.S. Constitution amend. VIII

see also Gregg v. Georgia compare corporal punishment, death penalty

Note: A cruel and unusual punishment is essentially one that the courts consider to violate the Eighth Amendment based on a variety of criteria. The interpretation of what constitutes cruel and unusual punishment has changed over time and has varied from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. Most forms of corporal punishment formerly used at common law have been found to be cruel and unusual punishments.