Chief Justice Warren stated in Trop v. Dulles (1958) that the cruel and unusual punishment clause "must draw its meaning from the evolving standards of decency that mark the progress of a maturing society".
Discuss whether you think punishment in the criminal justice system has evolved and whether the current standards sufficiently balance both the rights of the defendant and the safety of society. Give a specific example from the state where you live. Do you agree or do you disagree?