What does the Eighth Amendment prohibit?

The Eighth Amendment of the United States Constitution explicitly addresses the treatment of individuals within the judicial system and prohibits two specific issues: excessive bail and cruel and unusual punishment. This amendment reflects the belief that punishments should be proportionate to the crime committed and that bail, when set, should not be unreasonably high, ensuring that individuals are not subjected to undue hardship while awaiting trial.

The prohibition of excessive bail safeguards individuals from being detained simply due to an inability to pay a large sum for bail, which could lead to an unfair disadvantage in the legal process. Furthermore, the clause against cruel and unusual punishment protects individuals from inhumane treatment and excessively harsh penalties that do not fit the nature of the offense.

In contrast, the other options address different rights protected by other amendments. Freedom of speech is safeguarded by the First Amendment, the quartering of soldiers is covered by the Third Amendment, and the prohibition against searches without a warrant is addressed in the Fourth Amendment. This further clarifies the specific focus and relevance of the Eighth Amendment in limiting government power concerning individual rights.