what principle states that the punishment should fit the crime
Punishment A principle often mentioned with respect to the degree of punishment to be meted out is that the punishment should match the crime.[22][23][24] One standard for measurement is the degree to which a crime affects others or society. Measurements of the degree of seriousness of a crime have been developed.[25] A felony is generally considered to be a crime of "high seriousness", while a misdemeanor is not.
Capital punishment in the United States The Bill of Rights adopted in 1789 included the Eighth Amendment which prohibited cruel and unusual punishment. The Fifth Amendment was drafted with language implying a possible use of the death penalty, requiring a grand jury indictment for "capital crime" and a due process of law for deprivation of "life" by the government.[13] The Fourteenth Amendment adopted in 1868 also requires a due process of law for deprivation of life by any state.