Opinion ID: 879188
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: claustrophobia

Text: Defendant contends that he suffers from claustrophobia and that his sentence is therefore cruel and unusual punishment because it requires that he spend 15 days in jail. In support of his contention, defendant submitted a letter from Dr. James E. Gouaux which states in applicable part: I believe his main health problem related to being in jail relates to his claustrophobia which apparently has been going on for forty or so years and, if it is aggravated by being in a jail cell, might constitute cruel punishment. However, defendant offered no evidence in support of his claim that he does indeed suffer from claustrophobia. Dr. Gouaux makes no such diagnosis in his letter. In fact, he states only that the claustrophobia has apparently been going on for more than forty years. No other evidence was submitted by the defendant. Therefore, we find little evidence to support defendant's claim that he suffers from claustrophobia. Further, even if defendant so suffered, it would be but a factor to consider and would not foreclose incarceration. The sentence does not constitute cruel and unusual punishment.