Punishment that is deemed far in excess of what would reasonably considered fair given the crime so as to be shocking to the senses of the ordinary person. The 8th Amendment to the Constitution prohibits such cruel and unusual punishment. The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that the death penalty in itself may not be deemed cruel and unusual punishment. … [Read more...]

(to whom in life.) A writ of entry for a widow against him to whom her husband aliened her lands or tenements in his lifetime; which must contain in it that during his life she could not withstand it Reg. Orig. 232; Fitah. Nat Brev. 193. Cui jurisdiclio data est, ea quoque concessit esse videntur, sine quibus juriadiclio expiicari non potest. To whomsoever a jurisdiction is … [Read more...]

(A)The infliction of physical, mental or emotional pain without necessity. It is most often used for grounds of a fault based divorce as small amounts of cruelty are usually sufficient to justify the divorce. (B) This word has different meanings, as it is applied to different things. Cruelty may be, 1. From husband towards the wife, or vice versa. 2. From superior towards … [Read more...]

Latin, meaning He who has a right to give has the right to dispose of the gift. … [Read more...]

A crime for willfully inflicting severe pain or suffering to an animal, including death. May also apply to malicious and gross neglect of an animal. … [Read more...]