Which amendment prohibits cruel and unusual punishment?

• A. Eighth Amendment
• B. Second Amendment
• C. Sixth Amendment
• D. Tenth Amendment

Answer: (A)

The main idea here is that punishment cannot be cruel or unusual. The Eighth Amendment does exactly that by prohibiting punishments that are barbaric, inhumane, or grossly disproportionate to the offense. It also forbids excessive fines and excessive bail, reinforcing humane treatment in the justice process. The other amendments mentioned cover unrelated rights—keeping and bearing arms, rights to a fair and speedy trial with counsel, and the division of power to the states—so they don’t address how punishment is limited. So the amendment that prohibits cruel and unusual punishment is the one that fits.