Alabama Constitution Section 15 - Excessive fines; cruel or unusual punishment.
Alabama Constitution – Section 15: Excessive fines; cruel or unusual punishment
Text of Section 15:
“Excessive fines shall not be imposed, nor cruel or unusual punishment inflicted, nor shall any person be punished twice for the same offense.”
Explanation:
Section 15 of the Alabama Constitution is a protection of individual rights in the criminal justice system. It addresses three key protections:
Prohibition of Excessive Fines:
The state cannot impose financial penalties that are grossly disproportionate to the offense.
Ban on Cruel or Unusual Punishment:
This mirrors the Eighth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. It ensures that punishments (such as torture, inhumane treatment, or disproportionately harsh sentences) are not used.
Double Jeopardy Protection:
A person cannot be punished more than once for the same criminal act. Once acquitted or convicted, the same government cannot retry the person for that exact offense.
Legal Significance:
This section upholds fairness and human dignity in the justice system.
It serves as a check on government power, ensuring penalties and procedures are just.
Courts in Alabama may refer to this section when evaluating if a law or sentence violates constitutional rights.
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