Question

How does the Supreme Court usually rule in cases that involve overcrowding in prisons?

A.It accepts the “cruel and unusual” argument.
B.It directs individual states to decide the issue.
C.It rejects the “cruel and unusual” argument.
D.It upholds the 8th Amendment.

Answer 1

It accepts the “cruel and unusual” argument.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Supreme Court rules on the constitutionality of issues. Their scope is only to interpret the Constitution. The premise of overcrowding in prisons is that it is an improper living condition violating human rights. The Court has mandated that the Federal Government establish standards for prison populations.

Answer 2

The correct answer is option D "It upholds the 8th Amendment". The rule of the Supreme Court in overcrowded prisions is to interpret the Constitution under the premise that human rights are being violated in improper living conditions. The 8th Amendment of the US Constitution states that cruel and unusual punishments are prohibited, therefore the Supreme Court upholds this Amendment during overcrowding prisions cases.