Skip to main content
Passed by Congress September 25, 1789. Ratified December 15, 1791. The first 10 amendments form the Bill of Rights

​
Text of the Amendment

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

​
Interpretations & Debate

Read scholarly interpretations of the Eighth Amendment from the National Constitution Center, where constitutional scholars across the political spectrum debate its meaning and application.

​
Source

Adapted from the National Constitution Center, which provides the canonical text and scholarly interpretations of the Eighth Amendment.