Which amendment is associated with right against cruel and unusual punishment?

The Eighth Amendment is associated with the right against cruel and unusual punishment. This amendment explicitly prohibits the federal government from imposing excessive fines, bail, or punishments that are deemed inhumane or disproportionate to the crime committed. The language of the Eighth Amendment reflects a foundational principle in the American legal system that seeks to ensure humane treatment of individuals in the justice system.

This principle is rooted in the belief that punishment should fit the crime and that excessive or barbaric forms of punishment undermine human dignity. The interpretation of what constitutes "cruel and unusual" has evolved over time through various court cases, but the core idea remains a critical protection against inhumane practices in the penal system.

The other amendments listed do not specifically address this issue. The Fifth Amendment relates to due process and self-incrimination, the Sixth Amendment guarantees the rights of defendants in criminal prosecutions, such as the right to a fair trial, and the Ninth Amendment addresses the rights retained by the people that are not specifically enumerated in the Constitution. Hence, the Eighth Amendment is clearly the amendment that protects against cruel and unusual punishment.