This lesson introduces students to different viewpoints and debates surrounding the 8th Amendment by using the National Constitution Center’s Interactive Constitution. Students will build understanding of the resources and methods used by justices on the Supreme Court and Constitutional scholars when analyzing and forming opinions about articles, sections, and clauses of the Constitution
Interactive Constitution: Eighth Amendment (Middle Level)
This lesson introduces students to different viewpoints and debates surrounding the 8th Amendment by using the National Constitution Center’s Interactive Constitution. Students will build understanding of the resources and methods used by justices on the Supreme Court and Constitutional scholars when analyzing and forming opinions about articles, sections, and clauses of the Constitution.
Constitution of the United States with Index and the Declaration of Independence, Pocket Edition
This is the 25th pocket edition of the complete text of two core documents of American democracy, the Constitution of the United States (with amendments) and the Declaration of Independence. The resolution calling for the ratification of Constitutional Convention is also included. A topical index to the Constitution is provided. (House Document 112-29, 2012)
Atkins v. Virginia (2002)
Does the Eighth Amendment prohibit the execution of prisoners with intellectual disabilities convicted of capital crimes? This case summary shows how the Supreme Court answered that question in 2002.
Baze v. Rees (2008)
Does Kentucky’s lethal injection method violate the Eighth Amendment? This case summary shows how the Supreme Court answered that question in 2008.
Graham v. Florida (2010)
Is sentencing a minor to life without parole for a non-homicide crime “cruel and unusual” punishment under the Eighth Amendment? This case summary shows how the Supreme Court answered that question in 2010.
Kansas v. Marsh (2006)
Is a Kansas statute allowing the death penalty when mitigating and aggravating evidence are equal in violation of the Eighth Amendment? This case summary shows how the Supreme Court answered that question in 2006.
Kennedy v. Louisiana (2008)
Do states violate the Eighth Amendment’s ban on cruel and unusual punishment by imposing the death sentence for the crime of child rape? This case summary shows how the Supreme Court answered that question in 2008.
Lockyer v. Andrade (2003)
Does California’s “three strikes” law violate the Eighth Amendment? This case summary shows how the Supreme Court answered that question in 2003.
Miller v. Alabama (2012)
Does a sentence of life without parole for a 14-year-old convicted of murder violate the Eighth Amendment? This case summary shows how the Supreme Court answered that question in 2012.