Question

for each item, click on the inference that is most firmly based on the given facts in each selection.

1. the eighth amendment to the u.s. constitution protects prisoners from cruel and unusual punishments. the supreme court has ruled that circumstances such as severe crowding, unsanitary cells, failure to receive adequate food, and failure to receive needed medical care qualify as cruel and unusual punishments

a. prisoners have no constitutional rights.
b. cruel and unusual punishments are unlawful.
c. cruel and unusual punishments applies only to direct physical abuse, such as torture.

Explanation:

The Eighth Amendment protects prisoners from "cruel and unusual punishments," and the Supreme Court has ruled certain circumstances as such. This implies that such punishments are against the law (unlawful). Option a is incorrect as the amendment shows prisoners have constitutional rights. Option c is wrong because the examples given (severe crowding, etc.) are not direct physical abuse like torture.

Answer:

b. Cruel and unusual punishments are unlawful.