Which amendment prohibits cruel and unusual punishment and also limits fines and bail?

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

Answer: (A)

The main idea here is how the Constitution protects people from harsh or excessive government penalties in criminal cases. The Eighth Amendment does both: it bans cruel and unusual punishment and it also limits excessive fines and excessive bail, ensuring that punishment and pre-trial/extraneous penalties stay humane and proportionate. This reflects a principle of humane treatment within the justice system. Other amendments address different protections—unreasonable searches and seizures, rights of the accused during trials, and powers reserved to the states—so they don’t cover both punishment and financial limits together. Therefore, this amendment is the one that fits both parts of the question.