Which amendment addresses excessive bail and cruel and unusual punishment?

The Eighth Amendment specifically addresses issues related to excessive bail and cruel and unusual punishment. This amendment was established as part of the Bill of Rights and serves to protect individuals from harsh penalties that are disproportionate to the crime committed. The focus on preventing excessive bail ensures that individuals do not have to pay an unreasonably high amount for their release before trial, while the prohibition of cruel and unusual punishment protects against inhumane treatment and punishments that do not align with societal standards of decency.

The Seventh Amendment, while important in the context of civil trials and the right to a jury, does not pertain to punishment or bail. The Sixth Amendment guarantees rights related to criminal prosecutions, such as the right to a speedy and public trial, but it does not address bail or punishment directly. The Ninth Amendment emphasizes that the enumeration of certain rights in the Constitution doesn't exclude other rights that may exist, but it doesn't specifically cover issues of bail or punishment either. Therefore, the Eighth Amendment is clearly the one that targets concerns about excessive bail and cruel and unusual punishment directly.