What kind of punishment does the Eight Amendment aim to prevent?

Prepare for the New York City Corrections Peace Officer Test. Review multiple choice questions with detailed explanations. Get equipped for your exam success!

The Eighth Amendment of the United States Constitution is aimed at preventing harsh and disproportionate forms of punishment that could violate human rights and dignity. This Amendment specifically prohibits cruel and unusual punishment, which means that punishments should not be inhumane, degrading, or excessive in relation to the offense committed.

Additionally, the Amendment addresses the concept of excessive bail and excessive fines. The implication of this is that the government cannot impose bail that is unreasonably high or fines that are excessively punitive to the point where they would be deemed unfair or punitive beyond what is justifiable.

Thus, by encompassing the prohibitions against cruel and unusual punishment, excessive bail, and excessive fines, the Eighth Amendment works to ensure a more humane justice system that recognizes fundamental human rights in the treatment of individuals within the legal system. Hence, the answer that includes all these components is indeed correct.

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