8th Amendment

The Eighth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution prohibits the federal government from imposing excessive bail or fines, and from inflicting cruel and unusual punishments on individuals convicted of crimes. Essentially, it ensures that punishments are fair and not inhumane, maintaining a balance between justice and human dignity. This amendment protects against overly harsh penalties and helps prevent abuse of authority within the criminal justice system. Over time, courts have interpreted it to mean that punishments should be proportionate to the crimes committed and that certain methods of punishment are inherently unacceptable.