Which amendment prohibits cruel and unusual punishment?

The Eighth Amendment is the provision in the United States Constitution that explicitly prohibits cruel and unusual punishment. This amendment was included in the Bill of Rights, which ratified in 1791, and its purpose is to ensure that punishments for crimes are proportionate and humane.

The language of the Eighth Amendment is significant as it reflects the moral and legal standards that govern the administration of justice. It serves as a safeguard against excessive punishment, inhumane treatment, or torture, ensuring that the legal system adheres to principles of human dignity and justice.

Additionally, this amendment has been the basis for various Supreme Court decisions that interpret what constitutes "cruel and unusual," thereby shaping the evolving standards of decency in American society. The other amendments mentioned—such as the Fifth (which addresses rights in criminal cases), the Tenth (which discusses powers reserved to the states), and the Fourteenth (which addresses citizenship rights and equal protection)—do not specifically pertain to the prohibition of cruel and unusual punishment.