Plain-English Explanation
The Eighth Amendment prohibits excessive bail, excessive fines, and cruel and unusual punishments. It limits the severity of punishment the government may impose.
Relevant Provision
U.S. Const. amend. VIII.
Relevant Decisions
Trop v. Dulles
356 U.S. 86 (1958)
Held that the Eighth Amendment's ban on cruel and unusual punishment is informed by 'evolving standards of decency that mark the progress of a maturing society.'