Question

the eighth amendment does not define cruel and unusual punishment. how has the supreme court interpreted this amendment? a. criminals today must be punished in the same ways they were in the 1700s. b. no crime can ever be punished with the death penalty. c. punishments must be proportionate to the crime. d. all criminals convicted of felonies may face the death penalty.

Explanation:

The Eighth Amendment's "cruel and unusual punishment" clause has been interpreted by the Supreme Court to require punishments to be proportional to the crime (Option C). Option A is incorrect as modern punishments differ from the 1700s. Option B is wrong because the death penalty is still used for some crimes. Option D is incorrect as not all felony - convicted criminals face the death penalty.

Answer:

C. Punishments must be proportionate to the crime.