What are your thoughts on amputations?

I mentioned amputations fairly recently in another post, and was met with someone saying they are cruel and inhumane. I live in the states and have never seen it discussed in a non-historical context. In fact I only know of two countries in which amputation is legal, and they are both in the middle east. So, thoughts? Should amputation be a legal punishment, or is that true cruel and unusual punishment? Should it be legal for prisoners, or only heinous crimes? Should it be legal at all? Should it be legal for the amputation of a non-essential limb? Should it be banned completely? Could it be used to supplement prisoners and pay for the cost of incarceration?<br><br>TL;DR: What are your thoughts on amputation as a legal punishment?