Because King George III punished colonists who committed crimes with "hanging" and "tar and feathering," once colonists had come to America, they wanted to change the punishment system. So when they came up with new laws, no cruel and unusual punishments was agreed on. That means that if you commit a crime and are found guilty, they cannot hang you, electrify you, beat you with whips and harsh weapons or tools, etc., as a form of punishment.