Final answer:
Debates about the death penalty primarily revolve around the Eighth Amendment's prohibition of 'cruel and unusual punishments,' while also involving the Fourteenth Amendment's due process clause. The death penalty is not considered cruel and unusual in all cases by the Supreme Court, but it cannot be applied to minors. States differ in their application of capital punishment, with some moving away from its use.so the correct answer is option (c).
Step-by-step explanation:
Debates about the death penalty center on the Eighth Amendment, which prohibits 'cruel and unusual punishments.' Executions have been a contentious topic, and recent controversies have arisen over methods such as lethal injections. The Supreme Court's stance is that the death penalty does not constitute cruel and unusual punishment in all cases but has imposed limits, notably ruling that it may not be applied to those who were under 18 when they committed a crime. Additionally, the Fourteenth Amendment and its due process clause have been influential in civil liberties, making the Bill of Rights applicable to the states.
This ties into the larger constitutional debate about the limits of the Eighth Amendment and how it interacts with the pursuit of justice and public safety. Despite the legality of the death penalty, there has been a growing trend against capital punishment, with some states choosing to abolish it or not carry out executions. The future of the death penalty remains uncertain, with both public opinion and legal considerations at play.