Which amendment prohibits cruel and unusual punishments?

The amendment that prohibits cruel and unusual punishments is the Eighth Amendment. This amendment was adopted as part of the Bill of Rights in 1791 and reflects a commitment to humane treatment within the justice system. It serves as a safeguard against excessive penalties and ensures that punishments are proportional to the offenses committed.

The language of the Eighth Amendment has been the basis for various Supreme Court rulings that have shaped the legal landscape regarding the treatment of individuals in the criminal justice system. For example, it has been used to challenge the use of the death penalty under certain circumstances, as well as to address the conditions of prisons and other forms of punishment deemed excessive or degrading.

The other amendments mentioned do not pertain to the prohibition of cruel and unusual punishments. The Ninth Amendment focuses on rights not specifically enumerated in the Constitution, the Tenth Amendment reserves powers to the states and the people, and the Twelfth Amendment modifies the procedure for electing the President and Vice President. Thus, none of these amendments address the issue of cruel and unusual punishment in the way that the Eighth Amendment does.