What does the Eighth Amendment prohibit?

The Eighth Amendment to the United States Constitution specifically prohibits excessive bail, excessive fines, and cruel and unusual punishment. This amendment is part of the Bill of Rights and was designed to ensure that punishments for crimes are not only fair but also appropriate and humane.

The prohibition of excessive bail means that the amount set for bail must not be greater than what is necessary to ensure that the accused appears in court. This protects individuals from being excessively punished before they are even proven guilty.

The clause regarding cruel or unusual punishment aims to prevent inhumane treatment or severe penalties that are disproportionate to the crime committed. Historically, this has been a critical aspect of legal debates regarding the death penalty, prison conditions, and sentencing practices.

The other options pertain to different amendments or legal principles: double jeopardy is protected by the Fifth Amendment, unreasonable searches and seizures by the Fourth Amendment, and self-incrimination also by the Fifth Amendment. Each of these addresses fundamental rights but falls outside the scope of the Eighth Amendment's specific prohibitions.