What is the Eighth Amendment? Excessive Bail

What is the Eighth Amendment?

The Eighth Amendment (Amendment VIII) of the US Constitution is part of the United States Bill of Rights. (ratified December 15, 1791) It prohibits the federal government from imposing excessive bail, excessive fines, or cruel and unusual punishments, including torture.

Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.

The Eighth Amendment forbids the imposition of excessive bails or fines, Although, it seems to leave the term “excessive” open to interpretation.

The United States Supreme Court has ruled that the amendment’s Cruel and Unusual Punishment Clause also applies to the states. This amendment was adopted on December 15, 1791, along with the rest of the United States Bill of Rights. source

Learn more:

Unreasonable Search and Seizures – What you should know about your Fourth Amendment Rights.