How The Violation Of Jeff's 8th Amendment Changed Throughout The Novel
The Trial by Franz Kafka is a book that clearly demonstrates the effects of dictatorship upon freedoms permitted in most democracies today. Throughout the novel Josef K. undergoes a number of violations of basic principles of law. The 4th and 6th Amendments are the first to be violated when he is arrested and the guards have no reason for doing so. In the conclusion of the novel Josef’s 8th Amendment is also violated when he is executed. There is an overuse of power in the novel by anyone who hold the least bit of authority. These rights guarantee a free and democratic society because they are what the Constitution favors which is equal rights, freedom of speech, and a fair trial. Boundaries are set for authority figures and minorities as well, which keeps everyone in line and on track with what they should do. The fourth Amendment guarantees a person their
…show more content…
The eighth Amendment states that no cruel or unusual punishment can be inflicted on a person. Josef was executed without being given a fair trial, with sufficient evidence to prove that he had committed a crime. He was executed in an unfairly matter that deprived him from his rights as a citizen and also his dignity when he was stabbed in the heart, which is part of his freedom. “Like a dog!" he said, it was as if the shame of it should outlive him” (Kafka 152). His last words were devastating because although he was a man that was arrogant he still had his rights and to believe that he had to die like that deprived him of all that he could yet still be. The 8th Amendment is especially is important because it can make or break any conclusion of any trial. Sentencing as it is can be difficult but when someone is wrongfully imprisoned or executed, well that is the worst and that is exactly what happened with Josef even though he never actually had a “real”
The eighth Amendment states that no cruel or unusual punishment can be inflicted on a person. Josef was executed without being given a fair trial, with sufficient evidence to prove that he had committed a crime. He was executed in an unfairly matter that deprived him from his rights as a citizen and also his dignity when he was stabbed in the heart, which is part of his freedom. “Like a dog!" he said, it was as if the shame of it should outlive him” (Kafka 152). His last words were devastating because although he was a man that was arrogant he still had his rights and to believe that he had to die like that deprived him of all that he could yet still be. The 8th Amendment is especially is important because it can make or break any conclusion of any trial. Sentencing as it is can be difficult but when someone is wrongfully imprisoned or executed, well that is the worst and that is exactly what happened with Josef even though he never actually had a “real”