Which amendment addresses the issue of bail?

The Eighth Amendment of the United States Constitution directly addresses the issue of bail. It states, "Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted." This provision ensures that bail amounts set by the courts are reasonable and not disproportionate to the nature of the offense. The intention behind this amendment is to prevent the judiciary from imposing unaffordable amounts on individuals, which could lead to unjust detention before trial simply due to financial incapacity rather than the severity of the alleged crime.

In contrast, the Seventh Amendment primarily deals with the right to a jury trial in civil cases, while the Ninth Amendment affirms the existence of rights not specifically enumerated in the Constitution. The Tenth Amendment focuses on the distribution of power between federal and state governments. Understanding these distinctions clarifies why the Eighth Amendment is the pertinent one regarding bail issues.