Research Based Exam

Pick One Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and Discuss its History and Significance

The Eighth Amendment to the Constitution

The Eighth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States of America plays a crucial role in the analysis of the purposes of punishment in the U.S. criminal justice system. The amendment, which originally used words originated in the Bill of Rights of 1689, states: "Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive end imposed, nor cruel, and unusual punishments inflicted (Smith, pp. 9-21)." This amendment bill of the civil rights of the United States federal government prohibits the imposition of excessive fines or cruel and unusual punishment. According to the U.S. Supreme Court, this article forbids some punishments entirely, and forbids some punishments that are excessive compared to the offense, or the offender's mental capacity. It protects the citizens against undue fines, bail, cruel or harsh penalty, and provides a sense of appreciation and dignity to them; even as they face horrific consequences courtesy of their actions. The Eight Amendment, which focuses on dealing with individuals involved in crimes with honor and dignity, is crucially raises eyebrows over overcrowding of the prisons. The overcrowding of the prison leads to the unconstitutional situations for the prisoners (Schaefer, pp. 12-29). The Eighth Amendment was enforced as an attempt to protect basic human rights and respect of humanity. It promotes fairness of treatment, and prevents societal problems. Since, it has received a mixed response from various quarters of the society; it is essential to conduct more research to develop a better understanding regarding the Eighth Amendment.

The purpose of Eighth amendment is to ensure that all citizens of the United States, irrespective of their previous wrong-doings, have basic rights. It protects the citizens against undue fines, bail, cruel or harsh penalty, and provides a sense of appreciation and dignity to them; even as they face horrific consequences courtesy of their actions (Schaefer, pp. 12-29). The Eighth Amendment protects basic human rights and respect of humanity. In addition, it is widely believed that the Eighth amendment's aim is to promote fairness. It enables the criminals to face adequate punishment, based on the severity of the crime committed. It ensures that criminals are not subjected to inhumane treatment. The Eighth Amendment keeps the court verdict rational, and also it provides encouragement to the judicial system to look at things in a positive way. It also promotes rational and justified thinking within the justice domain of United States. This Amendment to the Constitution is the basis for crime and punishment in the United States. The Constitution is the design by which citizens and other lawful travelers within the United States are protected by and by which these citizens and travelers should treat one another (Smith, pp. 9-21).

Choose two of the Founding Fathers and show how and why they came to support a free and independent nation.

George Washington

The first president of the United States of America was George Washington, the victorious general of the British and ...