Which form of punishment does the Georgia Constitution explicitly forbid?

The Georgia Constitution explicitly forbids whipping as a form of punishment due to its association with cruel and unusual punishment, which is prohibited under the Eighth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution as well. The framers of the Georgia Constitution recognized the importance of maintaining human dignity and preventing inhumane treatment in the justice system. This prohibition reflects a broader movement away from physical punishments that can be deemed barbaric or excessive, affirming a commitment to more humane methods of addressing crime and punishment.

In contrast, imprisonment, house arrest, and fines are all permissible forms of punishment under the law. Imprisonment is a common penalty for serious offenses, house arrest is often used as an alternative for less severe cases or for individuals who require supervision outside of traditional jail settings, and fines serve as a monetary penalty for various infractions. These forms of punishment align more closely with contemporary legal standards and practices, balancing accountability with societal standards regarding human rights.