Lesson
Understanding Cruel and Unusual Punishment
Guiding question
How has the Supreme Court ruled on questions around “cruel and unusual punishment”?
How does the concept of cruel and unusual punishment realtes to the death penalty?
Objectives
- Students will explain what principles guide our understanding of cruel and unusual punishment and how the Court has defined cruel and unusual punishment.
Materials
Resources
Student Resources:
Teacher Resources:
- Eighth Amendment video from The Bill of Rights Institute
Lesson Components
ActivityCruel and Unusual Punishment Handout
A graphic organizer to help student organize material on Supreme Court cases focusing on the Eighth Amendment.
ActivityCruel and Unusual Punishment Supreme Court Decision Info Sheet
Background information on Supreme Court cases dealing with the Eighth Amendment.
Lesson plan
Click a phase to open it
More Information
Facilitation Notes
- This lesson briefly discusses the death penalty, conditions of incarceration, corporal punishment, and other topics that can be distressing or elicit strong emotional responses. Follow the proper protocol for your school or district surrounding these topics.