What does the Eighth Amendment prohibit?

The Eighth Amendment to the United States Constitution specifically prohibits the imposition of excessive bail, as well as excessive fines and cruel and unusual punishments. This amendment was ratified in 1791 as part of the Bill of Rights, and it reflects a fundamental principle that individuals should not be subjected to punishments that are disproportionate to the crime they have committed. The concept of excessive bail implies that bail should not be set at an unreasonable amount that would effectively deny a person the opportunity to secure their release before trial. This safeguard is essential to ensure that the legal rights of individuals are protected and that punishment is fair and humane.