proportionality analysis (California) · Go Syfert
← California issues

proportionality analysis in California

138 California opinions name it 4 courts 1983–2026 47 in the last five years

The cases below were cited by California courts in a sentence that names this issue. Sides come from how each citing opinion treated the case (Syfertize flag on that citation), so a case can appear on both: that is where the law is contested. A red or yellow chip is the case's own overall treatment.

Followed or applied (44)

CaseFollowedCited
Harmelin v. Michigangreen
scotus · 1991 · cited in 24 California opinions naming this issue, 1995–2026
2 sentences

2026The Eighth Amendment proscribes “cruel and unusual punishment” and “contains a ‘narrow proportionality principle’ that ‘applies to noncapital sentences.’ [Citation.]” (Ewing v. California (2003) 538 U.S. 11, 20 [ 155 L.Ed.2d 108 ], italics added; see Lockyer v. Andrade (2003) 538 U.S. 63, 72 [ 155 L.Ed.2d 144 ].) While this proportionality principle “ ‘does not require strict proportionality between crime and sentence,’ ” it does prohibit “ ‘extreme sentences that are “grossly disproportionate” to the crime.’ [Citation.]” (Ewing, at p. 23; see Harmelin v. Michigan (1991) 501 U.S. 957, 1001 [ 1

2026The Eighth Amendment proscribes “cruel and unusual punishment” and “contains a ‘narrow proportionality principle’ that ‘applies to noncapital sentences.’ [Citation.]” (Ewing v. California (2003) 538 U.S. 11, 20 [ 155 L.Ed.2d 108 ], italics added; see Lockyer v. Andrade (2003) 538 U.S. 63, 72 [ 155 L.Ed.2d 144 ].) While this proportionality principle “ ‘does not require strict proportionality between crime and sentence,’ ” it does prohibit “ ‘extreme sentences that are “grossly disproportionate” to the crime.’ [Citation.]” (Ewing, at p. 23; see Harmelin v. Michigan (1991) 501 U.S. 957, 1001 [ 1

2024
Ewing v. Californiagreen
scotus · 2003 · cited in 31 California opinions naming this issue, 2004–2026
2 sentences

2026The Eighth Amendment proscribes “cruel and unusual punishment” and “contains a ‘narrow proportionality principle’ that ‘applies to noncapital sentences.’ [Citation.]” (Ewing v. California (2003) 538 U.S. 11, 20 [ 155 L.Ed.2d 108 ], italics added; see Lockyer v. Andrade (2003) 538 U.S. 63, 72 [ 155 L.Ed.2d 144 ].) While this proportionality principle “ ‘does not require strict proportionality between crime and sentence,’ ” it does prohibit “ ‘extreme sentences that are “grossly disproportionate” to the crime.’ [Citation.]” (Ewing, at p. 23; see Harmelin v. Michigan (1991) 501 U.S. 957, 1001 [ 1

2026The Eighth Amendment proscribes “cruel and unusual punishment” and “contains a ‘narrow proportionality principle’ that ‘applies to noncapital sentences.’ [Citation.]” (Ewing v. California (2003) 538 U.S. 11, 20 [ 155 L.Ed.2d 108 ], italics added; see Lockyer v. Andrade (2003) 538 U.S. 63, 72 [ 155 L.Ed.2d 144 ].) While this proportionality principle “ ‘does not require strict proportionality between crime and sentence,’ ” it does prohibit “ ‘extreme sentences that are “grossly disproportionate” to the crime.’ [Citation.]” (Ewing, at p. 23; see Harmelin v. Michigan (1991) 501 U.S. 957, 1001 [ 1

1531
People v. Gutierrezgreen
calctapp5d · 2019 · cited in 13 California opinions naming this issue, 2019–2024
2 sentences

2024Reynolds Tobacco Co., supra, 37 Cal.4th at p. 728 ; see People v. Gutierrez, supra, 35 Cal.App.5th at p. 1040 (conc. opn. of Benke, J.).) “While ability to pay may be part of the proportionality analysis, it is not the only factor.” 6 (Aviles, supra, 39 Cal.App.5th at p. 1070, citing Bajakajian, supra, 524 U.S. at pp. 337- 338.) Here, we find that the minimum $300 restitution fine imposed in relation to Vargas’s assault with a deadly weapon on another inmate while incarcerated is not grossly disproportional to the level of harm and his culpability in this matter.

2021Reynolds Tobacco Co., supra, 37 Cal.4th at p. 728 ; see [People v.] Gutierrez, supra, 35 Cal.App.5th at p. 1040 (conc. opn. of Benke, J.).) While ability to pay may be part of the proportionality analysis, it is not the only factor. ( Bajakajian, supra, 524 U.S. at pp. 337-338.)” (People v. Aviles, supra, 39 Cal.App.5th at p. 1070.) We review the excessiveness of a fine challenged under the Eighth Amendment de novo.

1113
Solem v. Helmred
scotus · 1983 · cited in 16 California opinions naming this issue, 1995–2021
2 sentences

2016(Id. at pp. 429-437.) Similarly, the United States Supreme Court has observed that “a court’s proportionality analysis under the Eighth Amendment should be guided by objective criteria, including (i) the gravity of the offense and the harshness of the penalty; (ii) the sentences imposed on other criminals in the same jurisdiction; and (iii) the sentences imposed for commission of the same crime in other jurisdictions.” (Solem, supra, 463 U.S. at p. 292 .) Hale only relies on the second factor concerning assertedly more lenient, “anomalous” punishment for more serious offenses in the same juris

2014Federal Constitution Under the federal proscription of “cruel and unusual punishment,” a “ ‘narrow proportionality principle’ . . . ‘applies to noncapital sentences.’ ” (Ewing v. California (2003) 538 U.S. 11, 20 [ 155 L.Ed.2d 108, 117 ] (lead opn. of O’Connor, J.), quoting Hermelin v. Michigan (1991) 501 U.S. 957, 996-997 [ 115 L.Ed.2d 836, 866 ].) Objective factors guiding the proportionality analysis include “(i) the gravity of the offense and the harshness of the penalty; (ii) the sentences imposed on other criminals in the same jurisdiction; and (iii) the sentences imposed for commission

816
People v. Dillongreen
cal · 1983 · cited in 10 California opinions naming this issue, 1986–2024
2 sentences

2015(Harmelin v. Michigan (1991) 501 U.S. 957, 997 (Harmelin) (conc. opn. of Kennedy, J.) [Eighth Amendment “encompasses a narrow proportionality principle”]; People v. Dillon (1983) 34 Cal.3d 441, 478 (Dillon).) Because “in our tripartite system of government it is the function of the legislative branch to define crimes and prescribe punishments” (In re Lynch (1972) 8 Cal.3d 410, 414 ), a defendant bears a “considerable burden” to show the requisite disproportionality.

2015As a result, '[f]indings of disproportionality have occurred with exquisite rarity in the case law.' " (Ibid.) Although California case law sets forth three factors to consider in conducting a proportionality analysis, "the sole test remains . . . whether the punishment 'shocks the conscience and offends fundamental notions of human dignity.' " (Dillon, supra, 34 Cal.3d at p. 487, fn. 38 .) "Successful challenges based on the traditional Lynch-Dillon line are extremely rare." (Perez, supra, 214 Cal.App.4th at p. 60 .) 36 Jones and Jordan do not argue that a prison sentence of 25 years to life

710
United States v. Bajakajiangreen
scotus · 1998 · cited in 9 California opinions naming this issue, 2019–2026
2 sentences

2026I, § 17.) The “ ‘touchstone of the constitutional inquiry’ ” for excessive fines “ ‘is the principle of proportionality: The amount of the forfeiture must bear some relationship to the gravity of the offense that it is designed to punish.’ ” (Kopp, at p. 23, quoting United States v. Bajakajian (1998) 524 U.S. 321, 334 .) “While ability to pay may be part of the proportionality analysis, it is not the only factor.” (People v. Lowery (2020) 43 Cal.App.5th 1046 , 1057 (Lowery).) Under section 1202.4, subdivision (b), “[t]he restitution fine shall be set at the discretion of the court and commensu

2025Reynolds Tobacco Co., supra, 37 Cal.4th at p. 728 ; see [People v.] Gutierrez [(2019)] 35 Cal.App.5th [1027] 1040 (conc. opn. of Benke, J.).) While ability to pay may be part of the proportionality analysis, it is not the only factor. ( Bajakajian, supra, 524 U.S. at pp. 337-338.)” (People v. Aviles (2019) 39 Cal.App.5th 1055 , 1070.) We review the excessiveness of a fine challenged under the Eighth Amendment de novo.

79
Lockyer v. Andradegreen
scotus · 2003 · cited in 7 California opinions naming this issue, 2009–2026
2 sentences

2026The Eighth Amendment proscribes “cruel and unusual punishment” and “contains a ‘narrow proportionality principle’ that ‘applies to noncapital sentences.’ [Citation.]” (Ewing v. California (2003) 538 U.S. 11, 20 [ 155 L.Ed.2d 108 ], italics added; see Lockyer v. Andrade (2003) 538 U.S. 63, 72 [ 155 L.Ed.2d 144 ].) While this proportionality principle “ ‘does not require strict proportionality between crime and sentence,’ ” it does prohibit “ ‘extreme sentences that are “grossly disproportionate” to the crime.’ [Citation.]” (Ewing, at p. 23; see Harmelin v. Michigan (1991) 501 U.S. 957, 1001 [ 1

2026The Eighth Amendment proscribes “cruel and unusual punishment” and “contains a ‘narrow proportionality principle’ that ‘applies to noncapital sentences.’ [Citation.]” (Ewing v. California (2003) 538 U.S. 11, 20 [ 155 L.Ed.2d 108 ], italics added; see Lockyer v. Andrade (2003) 538 U.S. 63, 72 [ 155 L.Ed.2d 144 ].) While this proportionality principle “ ‘does not require strict proportionality between crime and sentence,’ ” it does prohibit “ ‘extreme sentences that are “grossly disproportionate” to the crime.’ [Citation.]” (Ewing, at p. 23; see Harmelin v. Michigan (1991) 501 U.S. 957, 1001 [ 1

57
Rummel v. Estellegreen
scotus · 1980 · cited in 7 California opinions naming this issue, 2004–2026
2 sentences

2026The Eighth Amendment proscribes “cruel and unusual punishment” and “contains a ‘narrow proportionality principle’ that ‘applies to noncapital sentences.’ [Citation.]” (Ewing v. California (2003) 538 U.S. 11, 20 [ 155 L.Ed.2d 108 ], italics added; see Lockyer v. Andrade (2003) 538 U.S. 63, 72 [ 155 L.Ed.2d 144 ].) While this proportionality principle “ ‘does not require strict proportionality between crime and sentence,’ ” it does prohibit “ ‘extreme sentences that are “grossly disproportionate” to the crime.’ [Citation.]” (Ewing, at p. 23; see Harmelin v. Michigan (1991) 501 U.S. 957, 1001 [ 1

2026The Eighth Amendment proscribes “cruel and unusual punishment” and “contains a ‘narrow proportionality principle’ that ‘applies to noncapital sentences.’ [Citation.]” (Ewing v. California (2003) 538 U.S. 11, 20 [ 155 L.Ed.2d 108 ], italics added; see Lockyer v. Andrade (2003) 538 U.S. 63, 72 [ 155 L.Ed.2d 144 ].) While this proportionality principle “ ‘does not require strict proportionality between crime and sentence,’ ” it does prohibit “ ‘extreme sentences that are “grossly disproportionate” to the crime.’ [Citation.]” (Ewing, at p. 23; see Harmelin v. Michigan (1991) 501 U.S. 957, 1001 [ 1

57
In re Coleygreen
cal · 2012 · cited in 9 California opinions naming this issue, 2014–2022
2 sentences

2022Rather than rely upon the proportionality analysis required by In re Coley, supra, 55 Cal.4th at page 538 , defendant relies upon Associate Supreme Court Justice Stanley Mosk’s concurring opinion in People v. Deloza (1998) 18 Cal.4th 585 , noting that a sentence exceeding a human life span can serve no rational penological purpose and is inherently cruel and unusual.

2022Rather than rely upon the proportionality analysis required by In re Coley, supra, 55 Cal.4th at page 538 , defendant relies upon Associate Supreme Court Justice Stanley Mosk’s concurring opinion in People v. Deloza (1998) 18 Cal.4th 585 , noting that a sentence exceeding a human life span can serve no rational penological purpose and is inherently cruel and unusual.

49
People ex rel. Lockyer v. R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co.green
cal · 2005 · cited in 23 California opinions naming this issue, 2019–2025
2 sentences

2025Reynolds Tobacco Co., supra, 37 Cal.4th at p. 728 ; see [People v.] Gutierrez [(2019)] 35 Cal.App.5th [1027] 1040 (conc. opn. of Benke, J.).) While ability to pay may be part of the proportionality analysis, it is not the only factor. ( Bajakajian, supra, 524 U.S. at pp. 337-338.)” (People v. Aviles (2019) 39 Cal.App.5th 1055 , 1070.) We review the excessiveness of a fine challenged under the Eighth Amendment de novo.

2025Reynolds Tobacco Co. (2005) 37 Cal.4th 707, 728 [applying Eighth Amendment analysis to both defendant’s federal and state excessive fines claims]; see also People v. Bajakajian (1998) 524 U.S. 321, 334 [“The touchstone of the constitutional inquiry under the Excessive Fines Clause is the principle of proportionality: The amount of the forfeiture must bear some relationship to the gravity of the offense that it is designed to punish”].) “While ability to pay may be part of the proportionality analysis, it is not the only factor.” (Aviles, at p. 1070, citing Bajakajian, at pp. 337-338.) 11 Here,

323
Graham v. Floridagreen
scotus · 2010 · cited in 17 California opinions naming this issue, 2013–2026
2 sentences

2026United States Constitution The Eighth Amendment to the United States Constitution prohibits “cruel and unusual punishments.” It “contains a ‘narrow proportionality principle,’ that ‘does not require strict proportionality between crime and sentence’ but rather ‘forbids only extreme sentences that are “grossly disproportionate” to the crime.’” (Graham v. Florida (2010) 560 U.S. 48 , 59–60.) “This proportionality principle is narrow when applied in noncapital cases.” (People v. Wilson, supra, 56 Cal.App.5th at p. 167.) Indeed, successful challenges are “‘exceedingly rare’” in noncapital cases.

2024Federal Constitution The Eighth Amendment to the United States Constitution prohibits “cruel and unusual punishments.” It “contains a ‘narrow proportionality principle,’ that ‘does not require strict proportionality between crime and sentence’ but rather ‘forbids only extreme sentences that are “grossly disproportionate” to the crime.’” (Graham v. Florida (2010) 560 U.S. 48 , 59–60.) “This proportionality principle is narrow when applied in 8 In his concurrence, Justice Mosk indicated because a sentence of 111 years in prison is “impossible for a human being to serve,” it violates the cruel an

317
People v. Bakergreen
calctapp5d · 2018 · cited in 5 California opinions naming this issue, 2020–2025
2 sentences

2025THE EIGHTH AMENDMENT The Eighth Amendment of the United States “‘prohibits the infliction of “cruel and unusual” punishment.’” (People v. Baker (2018) 20 Cal.App.5th 711, 723 .) It “does not require strict proportionality between crime and sentence, but rather forbids only extreme sentences that are grossly disproportionate to the crime.” (Harmelin v. Michigan (1991) 501 U.S. 957, 959 .) “‘In non-capital cases, the Eighth Amendment encompasses, at most, only a narrow proportionality principle.’” (United States v. Reynolds (11th Cir. 2000) 215 F.3d 1210 , 1214; People v. Wilson, supra, 56 Cal.A

2021(Ewing v. California (2003) 538 U.S. 11, 20 (Ewing).) This proportionality principle is narrow when applied in noncapital cases.11 (Ibid.) Under the California Constitution, a punishment is cruel or unusual “if, although not cruel or unusual in its method, it is so disproportionate to the crime for which it is inflicted that it shocks the conscience and offends fundamental notions of human dignity.” (In re Lynch (1972) 8 Cal.3d 410, 424 ; see People v. Wilson (2020) 56 Cal.App.5th 128 , 167 (Wilson).) “Lynch describes three ‘techniques’ to determine whether a sentence is so disproportionate to

35
People v. Bestelmeyergreen
calctapp · 1985 · cited in 3 California opinions naming this issue, 2021–2024
2 sentences

2024(See, e.g., People v. Cartwright (1995) 17. 39 Cal.App.4th 1123, 1132 , 1139–1141 [affirming sentence of 375 years to life plus 53 years after engaging in a proportionality analysis]; People v. Wallace (1993) 14 Cal.App.4th 651 , 666–667 [affirming sentence of 283 years plus eight months after engaging in a proportionality analysis]; People v. Bestelmeyer (1985) 166 Cal.App.3d 520, 532 [affirming sentence of 129 years after engaging in a proportionality analysis].) Defendant’s acts of molestation affected at least three children while they were under his care and at extremely vulnerable times

2022(See, e.g., People v. Cartwright (1995) 39 Cal.App.4th 1123, 1132 , 1139–1141 [affirming sentence of 375 years to life plus 53 years for sexual assault on three women pursuant to “Three Strikes Law” after engaging in a proportionality analysis]; People v. Wallace (1993) 14 Cal.App.4th 651 , 666–667 [affirming sentence of 283 years plus eight months for multiple sex offenses after engaging in a proportionality analysis]; People v. Bestelmeyer (1985) 47. 166 Cal.App.3d 520, 532 [affirming sentence of 129 years for sexual assault on children after engaging in a proportionality analysis].) Defenda

33
United States v. Viloskigreen
ca2 · 2016 · cited in 3 California opinions naming this issue, 2020–2021
2 sentences

2021(E.g., U.S. v. Viloski (2d Cir. 2016) 814 F.3d 104, 111 [ability to pay is relevant to the proportionality inquiry]; U.S. v. Levesque (1st Cir. 2008) 546 F.3d 78, 83-85 [ability to pay should be considered, in addition to proportionality inquiry]; U.S. v. Dubose (9th Cir. 1998) 146 F.3d 1141 , 1145-1146 [ability to pay has no bearing on analysis].) The United States Supreme Court has left this question open (see Timbs, supra, 139 S.Ct. at p. 688 ), but has noted the Eighth Amendment’s historical roots in prohibitions against monetary penalties that are “ ‘so large as to deprive [the defendant]

2021(E.g., U.S. v. Viloski (2d Cir. 2016) 814 F.3d 104, 111 [ability to pay is relevant to the proportionality inquiry]; U.S. v. Levesque (1st Cir. 2008) 546 F.3d 78, 83-85 [ability to pay should be considered, in addition to proportionality inquiry]; U.S. v. Dubose (9th Cir. 1998) 146 F.3d 1141 , 1145-1146 [ability to pay has no bearing on analysis].) The United States Supreme Court has left this question open (see Timbs, supra, 139 S.Ct. at p. 688 ), but has noted the Eighth Amendment’s historical roots in prohibitions against monetary penalties that are “ ‘so large as to deprive [the defendant]

33
In Re Lynchred
cal · 1972 · cited in 19 California opinions naming this issue, 1983–2026
2 sentences

2021(Ewing v. California (2003) 538 U.S. 11, 20 (Ewing).) This proportionality principle is narrow when applied in noncapital cases.11 (Ibid.) Under the California Constitution, a punishment is cruel or unusual “if, although not cruel or unusual in its method, it is so disproportionate to the crime for which it is inflicted that it shocks the conscience and offends fundamental notions of human dignity.” (In re Lynch (1972) 8 Cal.3d 410, 424 ; see People v. Wilson (2020) 56 Cal.App.5th 128 , 167 (Wilson).) “Lynch describes three ‘techniques’ to determine whether a sentence is so disproportionate to

2015(Harmelin v. Michigan (1991) 501 U.S. 957, 997 (Harmelin) (conc. opn. of Kennedy, J.) [Eighth Amendment “encompasses a narrow proportionality principle”]; People v. Dillon (1983) 34 Cal.3d 441, 478 (Dillon).) Because “in our tripartite system of government it is the function of the legislative branch to define crimes and prescribe punishments” (In re Lynch (1972) 8 Cal.3d 410, 414 ), a defendant bears a “considerable burden” to show the requisite disproportionality.

219
Miller v. Alabamagreen
scotus · 2012 · cited in 12 California opinions naming this issue, 2012–2025
2 sentences

2025This case law reflects the principle that “children are constitutionally different from adults for purposes of sentencing.” ’ ([People v.] Contreras [(2018)] 4 Cal.5th [349,] 359 . . . , quoting Miller v. Alabama (2012) 567 U.S. 460 , 471 . . . .) However, ‘a defendant’s 18th birthday marks a bright line.’ (People v. Edwards (2019) 34 Cal.App.5th 183 , 190 . . . .)[7] And . . . ‘[t]he Eighth Amendment proportionality guarantee applies very differently to prison terms for adult offenders.’ (In re Bolton (2019) 40 Cal.App.5th 611 , 622. . . .) Indeed, the Eighth Amendment’s proportionality princ

2021This case law reflects the principle that ‘children are constitutionally different from adults for purposes of sentencing.’ ” (Contreras, supra, 4 Cal.5th at p. 359 , quoting Miller v. Alabama (2012) 567 U.S. 460, 471 [ 183 L.Ed.2d 407 ] (Miller), italics added.) However, “a defendant’s 18th birthday marks a bright line.” (People v. Edwards (2019) 15 34 Cal.App.5th 183, 190 (Edwards).) And as this court has noted, “The Eighth Amendment proportionality guarantee applies very differently to prison terms for adult offenders.” (In re Bolton (2019) 40 Cal.App.5th 611 , 622.) Indeed, the Eighth Amen

212
People v. Wingogreen
cal · 1975 · cited in 4 California opinions naming this issue, 2014–2015
2 sentences

2015(People v. Wingo (1975) 14 Cal.3d 169, 174 .) Consequently, such findings “have occurred with exquisite rarity in the case law.” (People v. Weddle (1991) 1 Cal.App.4th 1190, 1196 .) Olivares’s sentence did not violate the Eighth Amendment’s narrow proportionality principle forbidding extreme sentences that are grossly disproportionate to the crime.

2015(People v. Wingo (1975) 14 Cal.3d 169, 174 .) Consequently, such findings “have occurred with exquisite rarity in the case law.” (People v. Weddle (1991) 1 Cal.App.4th 1190, 1196 .) Olivares’s sentence did not violate the Eighth Amendment’s narrow proportionality principle forbidding extreme sentences that are grossly disproportionate to the crime.

24
In re Palmergreen
cal · 2021 · cited in 3 California opinions naming this issue, 2023–2026
2 sentences

2024(Emanuel, supra, H049147, rev.gr.) We address the underlying facts to the extent necessary to analyze whether Emanuel’s punishment violates the Eighth Amendment under the proportionality principle described in Ewing, supra, 538 U.S. at pages. 20–23. 12 by such factors as age, prior criminality, personal characteristics, and state of mind. [Citation.]” (People v. Martinez (1999) 76 Cal.App.4th 489, 494 (Martinez).) The California Supreme Court has “distilled three analytical techniques to aid [a court’s] deferential review of excessiveness claims: (1) an examination of the nature of the offense

2023(Graham v. Florida (2010) 560 U.S. 48, 58-59 ; accord, In re Palmer (2021) 10 Cal.5th 959, 965 .) Whether any new sentence violates the proportionality rule in light of Senate Bill No. 567 will be for the trial court to determine on remand.

23
United States v. Levesquegreen
ca1 · 2008 · cited in 3 California opinions naming this issue, 2020–2021
2 sentences

2021(E.g., U.S. v. Viloski (2d Cir. 2016) 814 F.3d 104, 111 [ability to pay is relevant to the proportionality inquiry]; U.S. v. Levesque (1st Cir. 2008) 546 F.3d 78, 83-85 [ability to pay should be considered, in addition to proportionality inquiry]; U.S. v. Dubose (9th Cir. 1998) 146 F.3d 1141 , 1145-1146 [ability to pay has no bearing on analysis].) The United States Supreme Court has left this question open (see Timbs, supra, 139 S.Ct. at p. 688 ), but has noted the Eighth Amendment’s historical roots in prohibitions against monetary penalties that are “ ‘so large as to deprive [the defendant]

2021(E.g., U.S. v. Viloski (2d Cir. 2016) 814 F.3d 104, 111 [ability to pay is relevant to the proportionality inquiry]; U.S. v. Levesque (1st Cir. 2008) 546 F.3d 78, 83-85 [ability to pay should be considered, in addition to proportionality inquiry]; U.S. v. Dubose (9th Cir. 1998) 146 F.3d 1141 , 1145-1146 [ability to pay has no bearing on analysis].) The United States Supreme Court has left this question open (see Timbs, supra, 139 S.Ct. at p. 688 ), but has noted the Eighth Amendment’s historical roots in prohibitions against monetary penalties that are “ ‘so large as to deprive [the defendant]

23
People v. Hallergreen
calctapp · 2009 · cited in 2 California opinions naming this issue, 2013–2026
2 sentences

2026I, § 17, italics added.) A punishment may violate this provision 4 “although not cruel or unusual in its method, [if] it is so disproportionate to the crime for which it is inflicted that it shocks the conscience and offends fundamental notions of human dignity.” (In re Lynch (1972) 8 Cal.3d 410, 424 .) The California Supreme Court has described three techniques to evaluate a claim under California Constitution’s prohibition against cruel or unusual punishment: “(1) an examination of the nature of the offense and the offender, with particular attention to the degree of danger both pose to soci

2013Although such intra- and interjurisdictional comparisons are relevant to a proportionality analysis (In re Lynch, supra, 8 Cal.3d at pp. 426, 427), "[i]t is only in the rare case where a comparison of the crime committed and the sentence imposed leads to an inference of gross disproportionality that [those] criteria come into play." (Meeks, supra, 123 Cal.App.4th at p. 707 ; accord, Haller, supra, 174 CalApp.4th at p. 1088.) 10 viewed as either a new jeopardy or additional penalty for the earlier crimes.

22
Beutz v. County of Riversidegreen
calctapp · 2010 · cited in 2 California opinions naming this issue, 2014–2014
22
People v. Laboagreen
calctapp · 1984 · cited in 2 California opinions naming this issue, 1986–1994
22
People v. Munozgreen
calctapp · 1984 · cited in 5 California opinions naming this issue, 1986–2015
2 sentences

2015As has long been acknowledged, "Dillon's application of a proportionality analysis to reduce a first degree felony-murder conviction must be viewed as representing an exception rather than a general rule." (People v. Munoz (1984) 157 Cal.App.3d 999, 1014 .) We agree with the trial court that, unlike Dillon, this is not a case "that is so unusual and mitigating, either the crime or the defendants, that the statutory mandated sentence by the Legislature is unconstitutional." Therefore, we reject Jordan's and Jones's argument that their sentences are grossly disproportionate under either the fede

1986Appellant’s petition for review by the Supreme Court was denied November 19, 1986. 1 Dillon’s application of a proportionality analysis to reduce a first degree felony-murder conviction must be viewed as representing an exception rather than a general rule.” (People v. Munoz, supra, 157 Cal.App.3d 999, 1014 ; see also People v. Laboa, supra, 158 Cal.App.3d 115, 122 ; People v. Harpool, supra, 155 Cal.App.3d 877, 889-890 .)

15
People v. Edwardsgreen
calctapp5d · 2019 · cited in 3 California opinions naming this issue, 2021–2025
2 sentences

2025This case law reflects the principle that “children are constitutionally different from adults for purposes of sentencing.” ’ ([People v.] Contreras [(2018)] 4 Cal.5th [349,] 359 . . . , quoting Miller v. Alabama (2012) 567 U.S. 460 , 471 . . . .) However, ‘a defendant’s 18th birthday marks a bright line.’ (People v. Edwards (2019) 34 Cal.App.5th 183 , 190 . . . .)[7] And . . . ‘[t]he Eighth Amendment proportionality guarantee applies very differently to prison terms for adult offenders.’ (In re Bolton (2019) 40 Cal.App.5th 611 , 622. . . .) Indeed, the Eighth Amendment’s proportionality princ

2021This case law reflects the principle that ‘children are constitutionally different from adults for purposes of sentencing.’ ” (Contreras, supra, 4 Cal.5th at p. 359 , quoting Miller v. Alabama (2012) 567 U.S. 460, 471 [ 183 L.Ed.2d 407 ] (Miller), italics added.) However, “a defendant’s 18th birthday marks a bright line.” (People v. Edwards (2019) 15 34 Cal.App.5th 183, 190 (Edwards).) And as this court has noted, “The Eighth Amendment proportionality guarantee applies very differently to prison terms for adult offenders.” (In re Bolton (2019) 40 Cal.App.5th 611 , 622.) Indeed, the Eighth Amen

13
Robinson v. Californiagreen
scotus · 1962 · cited in 3 California opinions naming this issue, 2015–2022
2 sentences

2022(Robinson v. California (1962) 370 U.S. 660 , 666– 667.) The United States Supreme Court has seen fit to adopt “a narrow proportionality principle” for assessing Eighth Amendment challenges to noncapital sentences.

2022(See Robinson v. California (1962) 370 U.S. 660 , 666–667.) The United States Supreme Court has adopted “ ‘a narrow proportionality principle’ ” for assessing Eighth Amendment challenges to noncapital sentences.

13
Griffith v. Pajaro Valley Water Management Agencygreen
calctapp · 2013 · cited in 2 California opinions naming this issue, 2016–2025
12
Capistrano Taxpayers Ass'n v. City of San Juan Capistranogreen
calctapp · 2015 · cited in 2 California opinions naming this issue, 2016–2025
2 sentences

2025(Capistrano, supra, 235 Cal.App.4th at p. 1499 .) Though concluding that tiered rates are generally consistent with the proportionality requirement of article XIII D, section 6(b)(3), Capistrano determined the city had failed to satisfy this requirement.

2016(See City of Palmdale v. Palmdale Water Dist. (2011) 198 Cal.App.4th 926, 936-937 [ 131 Cal.Rptr.3d 373 ] [“California Constitution, article X, section 2 is not at odds with article XIII D [Prop. 218] so long as, for example, conservation is attained in a manner that ‘shall not exceed the proportional cost of the service attributable to the parcel.’ ”]; see id. at p. 928 [district failed to prove its water rate structure complied with the proportionality requirement of Prop. 218]; see also Capistrano, supra, 235 Cal.App.4th at p. 1511 , quoting City of Palmdale with approval.) The Agency also

12
Enmund v. Floridagreen
scotus · 1982 · cited in 2 California opinions naming this issue, 1986–2022
12
Coker v. Georgiagreen
scotus · 1977 · cited in 2 California opinions naming this issue, 2021–2021
12
Graciano v. Robinson Ford Sales, Inc.green
calctapp · 2006 · cited in 2 California opinions naming this issue, 2018–2018
12
People v. Harpoolgreen
calctapp · 1984 · cited in 2 California opinions naming this issue, 1986–1994
12
In Re Fossgreen
cal · 1974 · cited in 2 California opinions naming this issue, 1983–1984
12
Dolan v. City of Tigardgreen
scotus · 1994 · cited in 1 California opinions naming this issue, 2025–2025
11
Napa Citizens for Honest Government v. Napa County Board of Supervisorsgreen
calctapp · 2001 · cited in 1 California opinions naming this issue, 2025–2025
11
Ehrlich v. City of Culver Citygreen
cal · 1996 · cited in 1 California opinions naming this issue, 2025–2025
11
City of Marina v. Board of Trustees of California State Universitygreen
cal · 2006 · cited in 1 California opinions naming this issue, 2025–2025
11
People v. Martinezgreen
calctapp · 1999 · cited in 1 California opinions naming this issue, 2024–2024
11
Furman v. Georgiagreen
scotus · 1972 · cited in 1 California opinions naming this issue, 2022–2022
11
People v. Christensengreen
calctapp · 2014 · cited in 1 California opinions naming this issue, 2021–2021
11
Key v. Tylergreen
calctapp5d · 2019 · cited in 1 California opinions naming this issue, 2019–2019
11

Distinguished, questioned or overruled (0)

CaseNegativeCited
No negative-treatment citations attached to this issue in California. Read the followed side critically anyway.

Also cited on this issue (36)

CaseCitedYears
People v. Ricardo P. (In Re Ricardo P.) green
cal · 2019
2 sentences

2022For example, courts may properly base probation conditions upon information in a probation report that raises concerns about future criminality unrelated to a prior offense.” (Ibid.) Second, the court explained that “Lent’s requirement that a probation condition must be ‘ “reasonably related to future criminality” ’ contemplates a degree of proportionality between the burden imposed by a probation condition and the legitimate interests served by the condition.” (Ricardo P., supra, 7 Cal.5th at p. 1122 .) “A probation condition that imposes substantially greater burdens on the probationer than

2021We note that in In re Ricardo P. (2019) 7 Cal.5th 1113 (Ricardo P.), a majority of the Supreme Court articulated a proportionality requirement in the third Lent prong over the Chief Justice’s dissenting view that the requirement imported “an unduly exacting proportionality inquiry into the Lent framework” (id. at p. 1130 (conc. & dis. opn. of Cantil-Sakauye, C.J.)) that “needlessly subvert[ed]” the then-existing approach (ibid.) consisting of an “additional layer of analysis, above and beyond the Lent test,” reserved for constitutional overbreadth challenges (id. at p. 1133).

52020–2022
People v. Weddle green
calctapp · 1991
2 sentences

2015(People v. Wingo (1975) 14 Cal.3d 169, 174 .) Consequently, such findings “have occurred with exquisite rarity in the case law.” (People v. Weddle (1991) 1 Cal.App.4th 1190, 1196 .) Olivares’s sentence did not violate the Eighth Amendment’s narrow proportionality principle forbidding extreme sentences that are grossly disproportionate to the crime.

2015(People v. Wingo (1975) 14 Cal.3d 169, 174 .) Consequently, such findings “have occurred with exquisite rarity in the case law.” (People v. Weddle (1991) 1 Cal.App.4th 1190, 1196 .) Olivares’s sentence did not violate the Eighth Amendment’s narrow proportionality principle forbidding extreme sentences that are grossly disproportionate to the crime.

42014–2015
People v. Wallace green
calctapp · 1993
2 sentences

2024(See, e.g., People v. Cartwright (1995) 17. 39 Cal.App.4th 1123, 1132 , 1139–1141 [affirming sentence of 375 years to life plus 53 years after engaging in a proportionality analysis]; People v. Wallace (1993) 14 Cal.App.4th 651 , 666–667 [affirming sentence of 283 years plus eight months after engaging in a proportionality analysis]; People v. Bestelmeyer (1985) 166 Cal.App.3d 520, 532 [affirming sentence of 129 years after engaging in a proportionality analysis].) Defendant’s acts of molestation affected at least three children while they were under his care and at extremely vulnerable times

2022(See, e.g., People v. Cartwright (1995) 39 Cal.App.4th 1123, 1132 , 1139–1141 [affirming sentence of 375 years to life plus 53 years for sexual assault on three women pursuant to “Three Strikes Law” after engaging in a proportionality analysis]; People v. Wallace (1993) 14 Cal.App.4th 651 , 666–667 [affirming sentence of 283 years plus eight months for multiple sex offenses after engaging in a proportionality analysis]; People v. Bestelmeyer (1985) 47. 166 Cal.App.3d 520, 532 [affirming sentence of 129 years for sexual assault on children after engaging in a proportionality analysis].) Defenda

32021–2024
People v. Cartwright green
calctapp · 1995
2 sentences

2024(See, e.g., People v. Cartwright (1995) 17. 39 Cal.App.4th 1123, 1132 , 1139–1141 [affirming sentence of 375 years to life plus 53 years after engaging in a proportionality analysis]; People v. Wallace (1993) 14 Cal.App.4th 651 , 666–667 [affirming sentence of 283 years plus eight months after engaging in a proportionality analysis]; People v. Bestelmeyer (1985) 166 Cal.App.3d 520, 532 [affirming sentence of 129 years after engaging in a proportionality analysis].) Defendant’s acts of molestation affected at least three children while they were under his care and at extremely vulnerable times

2022(See, e.g., People v. Cartwright (1995) 39 Cal.App.4th 1123, 1132 , 1139–1141 [affirming sentence of 375 years to life plus 53 years for sexual assault on three women pursuant to “Three Strikes Law” after engaging in a proportionality analysis]; People v. Wallace (1993) 14 Cal.App.4th 651 , 666–667 [affirming sentence of 283 years plus eight months for multiple sex offenses after engaging in a proportionality analysis]; People v. Bestelmeyer (1985) 47. 166 Cal.App.3d 520, 532 [affirming sentence of 129 years for sexual assault on children after engaging in a proportionality analysis].) Defenda

32021–2024
cluster 755348 green
ca9 · 1998
2 sentences

2021(E.g., U.S. v. Viloski (2d Cir. 2016) 814 F.3d 104, 111 [ability to pay is relevant to the proportionality inquiry]; U.S. v. Levesque (1st Cir. 2008) 546 F.3d 78, 83-85 [ability to pay should be considered, in addition to proportionality inquiry]; U.S. v. Dubose (9th Cir. 1998) 146 F.3d 1141 , 1145-1146 [ability to pay has no bearing on analysis].) The United States Supreme Court has left this question open (see Timbs, supra, 139 S.Ct. at p. 688 ), but has noted the Eighth Amendment’s historical roots in prohibitions against monetary penalties that are “ ‘so large as to deprive [the defendant]

2021(E.g., U.S. v. Viloski (2d Cir. 2016) 814 F.3d 104, 111 [ability to pay is relevant to the proportionality inquiry]; U.S. v. Levesque (1st Cir. 2008) 546 F.3d 78, 83-85 [ability to pay should be considered, in addition to proportionality inquiry]; U.S. v. Dubose (9th Cir. 1998) 146 F.3d 1141 , 1145-1146 [ability to pay has no bearing on analysis].) The United States Supreme Court has left this question open (see Timbs, supra, 139 S.Ct. at p. 688 ), but has noted the Eighth Amendment’s historical roots in prohibitions against monetary penalties that are “ ‘so large as to deprive [the defendant]

32020–2021
People v. Meeks green
calctapp · 2004
2 sentences

2014(People v. Meeks (2004) 123 Cal.App.4th 695, 707 .) The principal prohibits sentences that are grossly disproportionate to the severity of the crime (Ibid.) A proportionality analysis requires consideration of three criteria: "'(i) the gravity of the offense and the harshness of the penalty; (ii) the sentence imposed on other criminals in the same jurisdiction; (iii) the sentences imposed for the same crime in other jurisdictions.' [Citation.]" (Ibid.) It is only in the rare case where a comparison of the 6 crime and the sentence imposed leads to an inference of gross disproportionality that t

2013Although such intra- and interjurisdictional comparisons are relevant to a proportionality analysis (In re Lynch, supra, 8 Cal.3d at pp. 426, 427), "[i]t is only in the rare case where a comparison of the crime committed and the sentence imposed leads to an inference of gross disproportionality that [those] criteria come into play." (Meeks, supra, 123 Cal.App.4th at p. 707 ; accord, Haller, supra, 174 CalApp.4th at p. 1088.) 10 viewed as either a new jeopardy or additional penalty for the earlier crimes.

32013–2016
People v. Deloza green
cal · 1998
22022–2024
People v. Lent green
cal · 1975
22019–2022
Morgan v. Imperial Irrigation Dist. CA4/1 green
calctapp · 2014
22019–2022
Timbs v. Indiana green
scotus · 2019
22021–2021
People v. Palafox green
calctapp · 2014
22015–2021
People v. Franklin green
cal · 2016
22018–2018
P. v. Perez CA4/3 green
calctapp · 2013
22015–2015
Roper v. Simmons green
scotus · 2005
22014–2014
United States v. Stephen Gene Reynolds green
ca11 · 2000
12025–2025
People v. Mantanez green
calctapp · 2002
12025–2025
People v. Norman green
calctapp · 2003
12024–2024
Atkins v. Virginia green
scotus · 2002
12022–2022
People v. Appleton green
calctapp · 2016
12022–2022
Plantier v. Ramona Mun. Water Dist. green
cal · 2019
12022–2022
Tison v. Arizona green
scotus · 1987
12022–2022
People v. Banks green
cal · 2015
12022–2022
People v. Contreras green
cal · 2018
12021–2021
People v. Speight green
calctapp · 2014
12021–2021
United Grand Corp. v. Malibu Hillbillies, LLC green
calctapp5d · 2019
12021–2021
United States v. Robert E. Hines green
ca8 · 1996
12020–2020
People Ex Rel. State Air Resources Board v. Wilmshurst green
calctapp · 1999
12020–2020
People v. Olguin green
cal · 2008
12020–2020
People v. Urbano green
calctapp · 2005
12019–2019
Jespersen v. Zubiate-Beauchamp green
calctapp · 2003
12019–2019
People v. Myers green
cal · 2016
12018–2018
People v. Brown green
calctapp · 2000
12016–2016
Griffith v. City of Santa Cruz green
calctapp · 2012
12016–2016
In Re Alva green
cal · 2004
12015–2015
Hutto v. Davis green
scotus · 1982
12015–2015
People v. Carmony green
calctapp · 2005
12014–2014

Statutes the citing opinions construe

CA § Cal. Government Code § 70373 (34) CA § Cal. Penal Code § 187 (19) CA § Cal. Evidence Code § 352 (11) CA § Cal. Penal Code § 664 (8) CA § Cal. Penal Code § 288 (7) CA § Cal. Penal Code § 667 (7) CA § Cal. Vehicle Code § 10851 (7) CA § Cal. Vehicle Code § 2800.2 (7) CA § Cal. Penal Code § 245 (6) CA § Cal. Penal Code § 211 (5) CA § Cal. Penal Code § 288.7 (5) CA § Cal. Penal Code § 667.61 (5)

Counted by distinct opinions that both name this issue and are annotated to the section; sections every opinion cites regardless of issue are not filtered here, so read the counts against the total above.

Where else courts name it

TX 270 (1980–2026) MI 189 (1986–2026) WV 149 (1980–2026) CA 138 (1983–2026) IL 111 (1983–2026) MS 106 (1984–2026) OH 79 (1986–2026) OR 67 (1980–2026) FL 66 (1993–2025) TN 62 (1986–2022) PA 38 (1992–2026) WA 37 (1980–2026) CO 36 (1981–2026) ID 33 (1982–2023) AZ 33 (1982–2026) IN 32 (1984–2020) AL 28 (1982–2024) SD 23 (1985–2024) MD 21 (1985–2026) KS 17 (1986–2020) IA 17 (1984–2023) UT 16 (1996–2024) DE 15 (1988–2025) WY 14 (1983–2026) MA 13 (1979–2024) MO 12 (1985–2018) VA 11 (1979–2023) NJ 10 (1995–2023) GA 10 (1994–2023) WI 9 (1988–2022) LA 9 (1983–2017) ME 8 (1991–2025) NC 8 (1985–2023) MN 7 (2001–2018) NE 6 (1991–2022) NM 5 (1988–2019) ND 4 (1997–2025) DC 4 (1993–2007) RI 4 (2004–2013) NH 4 (1977–2013) OK 4 (1994–2006) AK 3 (2022–2025) NV 3 (1991–2020) KY 3 (2004–2020) NY 3 (1994–2005) CT 3 (2016–2025) SC 2 (2000–2013) VT 2 (1995–2018)

Opinions by the citing court's state. A doctrine retained in one state and abandoned in another shows up here as a year span that stalls.

← Caselaw search · G Cite Topics · Brief Check