How to Complain About a Breach of the Eighth Amendment in Cases of Severe Punishment
The Eighth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution prohibits cruel and unusual punishment. When individuals believe their punishment violates this protection, especially in cases where they receive extremely harsh sentences, such as life without parole for first-degree murder under felony murder laws, they may have grounds to argue a constitutional breach. Jennifer Mee’s case from Florida provides an instructive example of how someone might raise such a complaint. Here, we’ll outline the process and principles behind complaining about an Eighth Amendment breach, focusing on challenging severe punishments. Understanding the Eighth Amendment and the Felony Murder Rule The Eighth Amendment, part of the Bill of Rights, safeguards individuals against punishments that are disproportionately harsh in relation to the crime committed. The Supreme Court has interpreted “cruel and unusual punishment” as a punishment that is excessive given the nature of the offense and the circumstances surroundi...