Which amendment prohibits cruel and unusual punishment?

The 8th Amendment of the United States Constitution explicitly prohibits cruel and unusual punishment. This amendment is a critical safeguard in the justice system, ensuring that individuals are not subjected to excessive penalties or torture, regardless of their crimes. The language of the amendment reflects a historical context that aimed to limit the types of punishment that can be imposed by the government, drawing from Enlightenment ideas about human rights and dignity.

This protection is significant in legal contexts, as courts have interpreted the "cruel and unusual" clause to prohibit not only barbaric forms of punishment but also certain types of sentencing that may be deemed disproportionately harsh compared to the crime committed. This helps create a more humane legal system focused on justice and rehabilitation rather than retribution.

In contrast, the 5th Amendment provides protections against self-incrimination and double jeopardy; the 14th Amendment addresses equal protection under the law and due process; and the 18th Amendment, which established Prohibition, does not pertain to punishment at all. Each of these amendments serves distinct purposes, but only the 8th Amendment is focused specifically on the treatment of individuals within the criminal justice system.