Read the Eighth Amendment to the Constitution. Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted. Which statement best summarizes the intent of the Eighth Amendment?
Answer
A
People accused of crimes have no rights until there is a verdict in court.
B
The government may inflict any kind of punishment it chooses.
C
People accused of crimes have specific constitutional protections.
D
The government must ask victims’ families how criminals should be punished.
Explanation
The Eighth Amendment limits how the government can treat people accused or convicted of crimes: bail and fines cannot be excessive, and punishments cannot be cruel and unusual. These limits are constitutional protections for people accused of crimes. Therefore, the best summary is “People accused of crimes have specific constitutional protections.”
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