Is a sentence that exceeds the life expectancy of a defendant a cruel or unusual punishment?
California, United States of America
The following excerpt is from People v. Ward, B295233 (Cal. App. 2020):
Our conclusion is not altered by defendant's contention that his punishment is cruel or unusual because it is the functional equivalent of a life sentence in prison. (See People v. Ayon (1996) 46 Cal.App.4th 385, 399-401.) That a sentence exceeds a defendant's life expectancy does not necessarily render it constitutionally cruel or unusual. (People v. Byrd (2001) 89 Cal.App.4th 1373, 1383.) "[I]t is immaterial that defendant
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