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Paper discusses constitutional interpretation and focuses on the evolving interpretation of the Eighth Amendment through Supreme Court cases.
Physical Description
29 p.
Notes
Abstract: This paper seeks to provide a more thorough understanding of two of the most popular — and conflicting — methods of constitutional interpretation: interpretivism and noninterpretivism. In exploring these two approaches, the arguments for and against capital punishment are offered to illustrate their major and minor differences. Furthermore, this paper explores the evolution of Eighth Amendment jurisprudence and constitutional law by assessing nine specific United States Supreme Court cases. Ultimately, this paper seeks to emphasize the bitter dispute between state legislatures and the courts regarding the proper punishment of criminal offenders. The issue of capital punishment’s constitutionality is not altogether new and will, most certainly, be reviewed by the Court again and again in the years to come.
This article is part of the following collections of related materials.
The Eagle Feather
Launched in 2004 by UNT's Honors College, The Eagle Feather was an interdisciplinary undergraduate research journal that promoted the work of students and their faculty mentors. The Eagle Feather was published annually until 2017 when it transitioned into the North Texas Journal of Undergraduate Research.
This collection presents scholarly and artistic content created by undergraduate students. All materials have been previously accepted by a professional organization or approved by a faculty mentor. Most classroom assignments are not eligible for inclusion. The collection includes, but is not limited to Honors College theses, thesis supplemental files, professional presentations, articles, and posters. Some items in this collection are restricted to use by the UNT community.