Which amendment prohibits cruel and unusual punishment?

• A. First Amendment
• B. Eighth Amendment
• C. Fourth Amendment
• D. Sixth Amendment

Answer: (B)

The main idea is recognizing which amendment sets a limit on how punishments for crimes can be administered. The best answer is the Eighth Amendment. It explicitly bars cruel and unusual punishments and also prohibits excessive fines and bail, ensuring penalties aren’t barbaric or disproportionately harsh. The other amendments protect different rights: the First Amendment covers freedoms of speech, religion, and assembly; the Fourth guards against unreasonable searches and seizures; the Sixth guarantees the right to a speedy and public trial with counsel and to confront witnesses. So, while those rights are essential, they don’t address punishment standards in the same way the Eighth Amendment does.