Final answer:
Cesare Beccaria, an Enlightenment philosopher, opposed torture and argued for punishments proportional to crimes, influencing modern legal systems and the Eighth Amendment which forbids 'cruel and unusual punishment'.
Step-by-step explanation:
Cesare Beccaria, an influential philosopher during the Enlightenment period, held distinct beliefs regarding torture and punishment in the criminal justice system. Beccaria strongly opposed the use of torture, arguing that it was both inhumane and an ineffective means of securing genuine confessions. Furthermore, he believed that the severity of a punishment should be proportionate to the crime committed, promoting the idea that punishments should serve as a deterrent rather than being used for retribution. This was part of a broader movement among the philosophes who sought to apply reason and science to improve society, including moving away from barbaric practices such as torture, and advocating for fair legal systems.
The Eighth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution reflects these Enlightenment ideals, forbidding 'cruel and unusual punishment' and advocating for reasonable bail, demonstrating the influence of these early reformers. Beccaria's work contributed to shaping a more humane approach to justice, highlighting the need for legal reform and the importance of proportionality and rehabilitation in the system.