What landmark case did the Supreme Court decide regarding "cruel and unusual" punishment?

The correct choice, which centers on the landmark case regarding "cruel and unusual" punishment, is significant in the context of the Eighth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. In Gregg v. Georgia, decided in 1976, the Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of the death penalty under certain circumstances, asserting that it did not constitute cruel and unusual punishment when imposed with proper guidelines and safeguards.

The case arose when the Court examined whether the death penalty was inherently in violation of the Eighth Amendment. It concluded that when applied fairly and thoughtfully, capital punishment could serve legitimate penological goals. This ruling established critical jurisprudence regarding the death penalty and the parameters under which it might be applied without violating constitutional rights related to cruel and unusual punishment.

This choice connects directly to discussions surrounding the administration of justice and humane treatment within the legal system, highlighting the ongoing dialogue about the nature of punishment and its moral and ethical implications. The other options, while notable Supreme Court cases, focus on different aspects of law and constitutional interpretation.