Which amendment prohibits excessive bail and cruel and unusual punishment?

The Eighth Amendment is the correct choice because it explicitly addresses the issues of excessive bail and cruel and unusual punishment. This amendment serves as a safeguard against harsh penalties in the legal system and ensures that individuals are treated fairly, even when they are accused of a crime. It reflects the fundamental principle of proportionate punishment, emphasizing that the severity of the punishment should fit the gravity of the offense.

By prohibiting excessive bail, the Eighth Amendment aims to protect individuals from being held in jail simply because they cannot afford to pay an exorbitant amount. Moreover, the prohibition of cruel and unusual punishment aligns with human rights principles, ensuring that the punishment should not be barbaric or inhumane.

The other amendments mentioned do not specifically address the issues of bail or punishment in the same way as the Eighth Amendment does. The First Amendment focuses on freedoms such as speech and religion, the Ninth Amendment emphasizes that rights not specified in the Constitution should not be assumed to be denied, and the Fifth Amendment deals primarily with legal rights related to criminal cases, including due process and protection against self-incrimination.