The words “and unusual” are there because otherwise the courts would have long since outlawed all punishments including sternly worded letters of reprimand. (Anything seems cruel when it’s the worst thing you ever do to a criminal.)
Good point, jonadab. If it were “or”, the worst punishment would be standing in a corner. However, with the rarity of capital punishment, it seems to me that it has, because of that rarity, become unconstitutional, as it is both (obviously) cruel, AND unusual.
dadoctah almost 10 years ago
Not to worry. Sentence enough people to those punishments, and they’re no longer unusual.
Brass Orchid Premium Member almost 10 years ago
It’s only unusual until it becomes common.Once it goes viral, it’s viewed as normal.
jonadab almost 10 years ago
The words “and unusual” are there because otherwise the courts would have long since outlawed all punishments including sternly worded letters of reprimand. (Anything seems cruel when it’s the worst thing you ever do to a criminal.)
Cerabooge almost 10 years ago
Good point, jonadab. If it were “or”, the worst punishment would be standing in a corner. However, with the rarity of capital punishment, it seems to me that it has, because of that rarity, become unconstitutional, as it is both (obviously) cruel, AND unusual.
Rwill almost 10 years ago
Let’s see here; supply list for the defendant’s punishment.
3 quarts honey, a case of aerosol whipped topping, 3 badgers, a dominatrix with riding crop, 5 dwarves and a Tom Jones record.
Nope I don’t see anything here unusual.
aerilim almost 10 years ago
Let the whippings begin, until they start having fun…
angelfiredragon almost 10 years ago
I’ve always thought fair is to have the same punishment inflicted on the convict that they inflicted on their victims.