What if a punishment is unusual but not cruel?

I am curious what would happen if a punishment is given that is​ unusual but not necessarily cruel. For example, someone pick pockets a sweet old grandma. Not much was stolen, so the punishment is light. The judge makes the criminal not only return the money, but give the old lady the largest bouquet of roses they can find. Is that permissible by the 8th amendment?

Posted Dec 6, 2025, 6:20 PM UTC

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