Which amendment addresses excessive bail and cruel and unusual punishment?

The Eighth Amendment directly addresses issues of excessive bail and cruel and unusual punishment. This amendment emphasizes the principle that punishment should be proportionate to the offense, preventing brutal or inhumane treatment of individuals by the government. It serves as a safeguard within the criminal justice system to protect individuals from being subjected to unreasonable monetary conditions for release before trial, as well as from harsh and unorthodox punishment following a conviction.

In contrast, while the Fifth Amendment includes protections against self-incrimination and guarantees due process, it does not specifically address bail or punishment issues. The Sixth Amendment outlines the rights related to criminal prosecutions, such as the right to a speedy trial and to confront witnesses, without addressing the bail or punishment aspects. The Fourteenth Amendment primarily focuses on equal protection under the law and due process, but it doesn't encompass the specific issues of bail and punishment as outlined in the Eighth Amendment. Thus, the emphasis on preventing excessive bail and cruel and unusual punishment is uniquely captured in the Eighth Amendment.