Cruel and unusual punishment has a different meaning for everyone. Some people argure that the death sentence is a cruel punishement, and others argue that sitting in jail on a life sentence is cruel punishment. But no matter how we interpret this today, in the past, it has had a greater meaning. Morals are different now, and not as many people feel the need to tourture people who have done harm to them or others. With this being said, the 8th amendment doesn't have as big of an inpact on Americans lives today as it has in the past. I think for the purpose that it serves in the US government, the 8th amendment doesn't need to be more specific. Those who are sentenced to death die painlessly due to large amonts of medicines they are given. They die peacefully making this form of punishment accectable.