The 8th Amendment protects which of the following?

• A. No cruel or unusual punishment, no excessive bail or fines
• B. Right to bear arms
• C. Protection against unreasonable search
• D. Right to a fair trial

Answer: (A)

The focus here is on limits placed on punishment and penalties. The Eighth Amendment specifically forbids cruel and unusual punishment and also prohibits excessive bail and excessive fines. This means punishment for offenses must be humane and proportionate, and the financial penalties must not be unreasonably harsh relative to the crime.

The other options point to protections found in different amendments: bearing arms is guaranteed by the Second Amendment, protection against unreasonable searches is in the Fourth Amendment, and the right to a fair trial comes from the Sixth Amendment. So the Eighth Amendment is the one that addresses the prohibition against cruel and unusual punishment as well as limits on bail and fines.