Federal · Title 10 — Armed Forces

10 U.S.C. § 855: Art. 55. Cruel and unusual punishments prohibited

Civil

What this law says, in plain English

This statute prohibits courts-martial from imposing certain cruel punishments, including flogging, branding, marking, tattooing, and unnecessary use of irons on military personnel.

Read the full statutory text

Punishment by flogging, or by branding, marking, or tattooing on the body, or any other cruel or unusual punishment, may not be adjudged by any court-martial or inflicted upon any person subject to this chapter. The use of irons, single or double, except for the purpose of safe custody, is prohibited.

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