Mental Abuse as Cruel and Unusual Punishment: Do Boot Camp Prisons Violate the Eighth Amendment?

Research has shown that large segments of the public will only support shorter sentences for offenders if longer sentences are exchanged for harsh, intensive correctional experiences. An exchange of time for intensity has raised concerns about the purpose of correctional boot camp and the potential for abuse in programs intentionally designed to be severe. This article compares common forms of discipline used in shock incarceration programs with legal findings regarding what is cruel and unusual punishment. It concludes that practices commonly used at boot camp may be considered cruel and unusual and may give rise to costly inmate litigation.