What is required for an excessive force claim under the Eighth Amendment?

For an excessive force claim under the Eighth Amendment, it is crucial for the inmate to demonstrate that the force was applied maliciously and sadistically, rather than in a good faith effort to maintain or restore discipline. This standard is derived from the precedent set in the U.S. Supreme Court case Hudson v. McMillian, which clarified that the actions of correctional officers must be evaluated through the lens of whether they were intentionally harmful or done with the desire to cause unnecessary pain. The focus is on the intent behind the application of force, emphasizing that merely proving the force was excessive is insufficient if it can be demonstrated that it was applied for legitimate correctional purposes.

In this context, the requirement for malicious intent underscores the protection provided to inmates under the Eighth Amendment against cruel and unusual punishment, ensuring that their rights are upheld against unnecessary inflictions of pain and suffering. Thus, showing that the force was applied with malicious intent is a fundamental aspect of substantiating an excessive force claim.