Which amendment prohibits cruel and unusual punishment?

Which amendment prohibits cruel and unusual punishment?

• A. First Amendment
• B. Second Amendment
• C. Eighth Amendment
• D. Fifth Amendment

Answer: (C)

Punishment that is cruel and unusual is prohibited by the Eighth Amendment. This part of the Bill of Rights protects people from inhumane treatment in the criminal justice system and from punishments that are barbaric, excessive, or disproportionate to the offense. It also sets limits on fines and bail, reinforcing humane standards in sentencing. The other amendments cover different rights: the First Amendment guards freedoms like speech and religion; the Second Amendment protects the right to keep and bear arms; the Fifth Amendment includes protections such as due process and against self-incrimination. Thus, the amendment that specifically bans cruel and unusual punishment is the one focused on those limits.

Punishment that is cruel and unusual is prohibited by the Eighth Amendment. This part of the Bill of Rights protects people from inhumane treatment in the criminal justice system and from punishments that are barbaric, excessive, or disproportionate to the offense. It also sets limits on fines and bail, reinforcing humane standards in sentencing. The other amendments cover different rights: the First Amendment guards freedoms like speech and religion; the Second Amendment protects the right to keep and bear arms; the Fifth Amendment includes protections such as due process and against self-incrimination. Thus, the amendment that specifically bans cruel and unusual punishment is the one focused on those limits.