Which amendment protects individuals from excessive bail?

The Eighth Amendment of the United States Constitution is the specific amendment that protects individuals from excessive bail. This protection is part of a broader set of rights aimed at ensuring fair treatment under the law, including the prohibition of cruel and unusual punishment. The intention behind this amendment is to prevent the courts from imposing bail amounts that are unreasonably high, which could effectively deny a person their right to be free before trial simply due to their inability to pay.

This principle is crucial for maintaining the presumption of innocence until proven guilty, allowing individuals to stay out of jail while awaiting trial unless they pose a flight risk or a danger to the community. By safeguarding against excessive bail, the Eighth Amendment reiterates the importance of ensuring that legal systems do not exploit vulnerable individuals or impose harsh pre-trial conditions that go against the tenets of justice.