Then you have your answer, you might not see it as a civil liberty because of where you live, but what you have to address in any comment to an American in regards to Civil Liberties is the Bill of RIghts, the first 10 amendments to the constitution. Just like the Supreme Court often reviews the death penalty statues of the states - Amendment 8 addresses what types of punishment can be given by the states.
Crazed Rabbit is correct that the state legislatures must decided what punishment can be allocated to a specific crime. What the Supreme Court is allowed to do is rule on wether that law is constitutional or not based upon a review. They can not make law from the bench, but they can send something back to the states and congress to be redone to fall within the constitution.
This is what the Supreme Court has actually done from what I can determine with this ruling - now some would say they are making law from the bench - I don't see it that way, they have determined a state law is unconstitutional.
When the individual was speaking in absolutes - then he is being inconsistent regardless of where he comes from.Originally Posted by Conradus
Have fun with that one.....
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