Which amendment prohibits excessive bail and cruel and unusual punishment?

The Eighth Amendment is the correct answer because it explicitly addresses the issues of excessive bail and cruel and unusual punishment. This amendment is part of the Bill of Rights and was designed to limit the government's power in the context of punishment and to protect individuals' rights against harsh treatment in the justice system.

The prohibition against excessive bail ensures that no individual is subjected to an unreasonable financial burden for their release prior to trial, while the ban on cruel and unusual punishment is intended to safeguard against inhumane treatment in sentencing and execution practices. This reflects a fundamental principle in the legal system aimed at ensuring justice and humane treatment under the law.

In contrast, the Sixth Amendment focuses on rights related to criminal prosecutions, such as the right to a speedy trial and the right to counsel. The Fourth Amendment deals with protection against unreasonable searches and seizures, and the Fifth Amendment covers rights related to legal procedures, including protection against self-incrimination and double jeopardy. Each of these amendments serves important functions, but they do not address the specific issues contained within the Eighth Amendment.