8th amendment

Introduces learning readers to the Eighth Amendment in the U.S. Bill of Rights, covering its guarantee that citizens will not undergo cruel and unusual punishment for crimes they might commit. Includes photographs, illustrations, and a glossary.

"The Eighth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution's Bill of Rights prohibits the use of 'cruel and unusual punishment.' That phrase was written at a time when burning and beheading were still acceptable legal punishments in some places. Much has changed in America in two centuries. This easily accessible guide examines the context that inspired the Founding Fathers to include this phrase, as well as the concept of 'evolving standards of decency'"--Provided by publisher.

"... students will examine the events leading up to the Eighth Amendment's creation, how it has been defined throughout the centuries, and how it is interpreted today"--Provided by publisher.

Examines the history and meaning of the Eighth Amendment of the United States Constitution and explores modern interpretations of the right against cruel and unusual punishment.

The Founding Fathers created the Eighth Amendment to protect the people from the kind of abuse they had seen while the colonies were under British rule, but to this day, Americans continue to argue about what exactly cruel and unusual, excessive bail, and excessive fines mean. Through full-color and black-and-white photographs, engaging text, and primary sources, students will examine the events leading up to the Eighth Amendment's creation, how it has been defined throughout the centuries, and how it is interpreted today. In addition, informative sidebars and a further reading section with books and websites encourage students to explore the people and events of this time in history in more depth.