John Massey has been charged with first degree forcible rape. He is a college-educated Caucasian businessman who is married with three children. Mr. Massey feels certain that a jury of his peers will find him innocent of the charges based upon the specific forensic evidence, which most likely will be presented. At the conclusion of Mr. Massey's trial, he is found guilty and sentenced to life in prison without parole. This would be an example of:

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The Eighth Amendment of the United States Constitution prohibits cruel and unusual punishment. Sentencing someone to life in prison without parole for first degree forcible rape, without considering the specific circumstances and the evidence, could be seen as disproportionate and thus could be argued to fall under the category of cruel and unusual punishment.

John Massey Has Been Charged with First Degree Forcible Rape