Final answer:
The forbidding of cruel and unusual punishment is indeed binding, as stated in the Eighth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. The Supreme Court has placed restrictions on the death penalty, such as not allowing it for those under 18 at the time of their crime. This provision enforces fair and humane treatment within the justice system.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that the forbidding of cruel and unusual punishment is made binding is True. The Eighth Amendment to the United States Constitution explicitly states that 'Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.' This serves as a critical component of the protections provided to individuals within the justice system, ensuring that punishments are fair and proportional to the offense committed. It aims to prevent the state from imposing severe, barbaric, or inhumane penalties. In cases like Bucklew v. Precythe, the scope and application of what constitutes 'cruel and unusual' punishment can be contested, and the Supreme Court has the authority to interpret this provision.
While the Supreme Court has not deemed the death penalty as inherently cruel and unusual, it has imposed limitations on its application. For example, per the Supreme Court decision, the death penalty cannot be applied to those who were under 18 when they committed a crime, as indicated in the provided option 'd. may not be applied to those who were under 18 when they committed a crime.' This is consistent with the evolving standards of decency and a recognition of juveniles' cognitive development status.
Moreover, the Eighth Amendment reflects the intention to make the justice system more enlightened. It advocates for modern and sophisticated methods to handle those incarcerated and prohibits excessively punitive measures such as torture. Questions surrounding the appropriate forms of execution, such as the controversies over lethal injections and firing squads, continue to challenge the interpretation of what is deemed cruel and unusual punishment.