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Amendment VIII: No cruel and unusual punishment

Passed by Congress September 25, 1789. Ratified December 15, 1791. · Part of the Bill of Rights

In plain English

Bans excessive bail and fines and cruel and unusual punishments.

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

Plain-English summaries are simplified for learning. Courts interpret these words in detail; this is general information, not legal advice.