Which amendment prohibits cruel and unusual punishment?

The Eighth Amendment is specifically designed to protect individuals from excessive bail, excessive fines, and cruel and unusual punishments. This amendment reflects a fundamental principle of human rights and justice, emphasizing the idea that punishments should be proportional to the offense and must not be inhumane or degrading.

Historically, this amendment was influenced by early legal standards and practices that sought to limit the powers of the government in imposing harsh penalties on individuals. The language of "cruel and unusual" has led to various interpretations by courts, guiding legal precedents that shape the American judiciary's approach to punishment and the treatment of individuals within the criminal justice system.

In contrast, the Fifth Amendment primarily addresses rights related to legal proceedings, including protections against self-incrimination and double jeopardy. The Ninth Amendment recognizes the existence of unenumerated rights that are not specifically listed in the Constitution, while the Tenth Amendment emphasizes the rights reserved to the states and the people, reinforcing the balance of power between federal and state authority.