What does the Eighth Amendment prohibit?

The Eighth Amendment is a vital part of the Bill of Rights that specifically addresses the treatment of individuals in the criminal justice system. Its primary focus is to protect individuals from excessive penalties and inhumane treatment. The amendment prohibits excessive bail, meaning that bail should not be set at a level that is disproportionate to the seriousness of the offense. It also prohibits excessive fines, ensuring that penalties imposed by the state are not unreasonably high and serve a legitimate purpose. Furthermore, it expressly forbids cruel and unusual punishments, thereby protecting individuals from torture, degrading treatment, or punishments that are out of proportion to the offenses committed.

Each of the other options relates to different amendments or legal provisions. For instance, the prohibition against unreasonable searches and seizures is covered by the Fourth Amendment, while the establishment of a national religion pertains to the First Amendment, which ensures freedom of religion. The right to free speech is also safeguarded by the First Amendment, which prohibits the government from restricting individuals' rights to express their opinions. Thus, the correct answer encapsulates the fundamental rights aimed specifically at protecting individuals within the justice system as established by the Eighth Amendment.