What does the 8th Amendment protect against?

The 8th Amendment to the United States Constitution serves to protect individuals from excessive and disproportionate punitive measures. Specifically, it addresses two critical aspects: the prohibition against cruel and unusual punishment and the prevention of excessive bail and fines.

By encompassing both the prevention of cruel and unusual punishment and the limitation on excessive bail and fines, the 8th Amendment ensures a balanced approach to justice that respects human dignity while also maintaining the integrity of the legal system. This dual focus affirms that punishments should be fair and appropriate to the crime, aligning with the broader principles of justice and due process embedded within the Constitution.

In this context, the other options do not adequately capture the full scope of the 8th Amendment’s protections. While the right to a fair trial is fundamental, it is addressed under different amendments, particularly the 6th Amendment, making it outside the purview of the 8th Amendment's explicit protections.