excessive sanction
[ɪkˈsɛsɪv ˈsæŋkʃən]
nounpl: excessive sanctions
sanção excessiva
1. A punishment or penalty that is disproportionately severe in relation to the offense committed or the harm caused
The court ruled that the fine imposed was an excessive sanction for a minor traffic violation.
O tribunal decidiu que a multa imposta era uma sanção excessiva por uma infração de trânsito menor.
2. In legal contexts, a penalty that violates principles of proportionality or due process
International law advocates argued that the embargo constituted an excessive sanction against the civilian population.
Defensores do direito internacional argumentaram que o embargo constituía uma sanção excessiva contra a população civil.
3. Any disciplinary measure that goes beyond what is reasonable or necessary to achieve its purpose
The school's decision to expel the student was considered an excessive sanction for plagiarism.
A decisão da escola de expulsar o aluno foi considerada uma sanção excessiva por plágio.
The concept of excessive sanction is particularly important in both Brazilian and American legal systems, where the principle of proportionality in punishment is constitutionally protected. In Brazil, Article 5 of the Federal Constitution prohibits cruel punishment. In the USA, the Eighth Amendment protects against cruel and unusual punishment. The term is frequently used in discussions about judicial reform, human rights, and criminal justice policy in both countries.
Related Idioms & Phrases
the punishment does not fit the crime
going overboard with punishment
a sledgehammer to crack a nut
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