Which amendment prohibits cruel and unusual punishment?

The Eighth Amendment to the United States Constitution prohibits cruel and unusual punishment. This amendment is a vital part of the Bill of Rights, which was ratified in 1791. It serves to protect individuals from excessive penalties and inhumane treatment by the state. The phrase "cruel and unusual punishment" has been interpreted by the courts to ensure that punishments are not only proportional to the crime but also humane. This principle addresses concerns about torture and excessively harsh penalties, reflecting the moral standards of society.

Other amendments listed are relevant to different legal protections. The Seventh Amendment primarily deals with the right to a jury trial in civil cases, while the Ninth Amendment addresses unenumerated rights retained by the people. The Tenth Amendment reinforces the principle of federalism by stating that powers not delegated to the federal government nor prohibited to the states are reserved for the states or the people. Thus, they do not pertain to the issue of punishment.