Eighth Amendment to the United States Constitution

The Eighth Amendment to the United States Constitution prohibits the federal government from imposing excessive bail, excessive fines or cruel and unusual punishments, including torture. The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that this amendment's Cruel and Unusual Punishment Clause applies to the states. The phrases employed originated in the English Bill of Rights of 1689.

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"Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted."