Final answer:
The Eighth Amendment prohibits excessive bails and fines, as well as cruel and unusual punishments, ensuring that penalties are proportionate to the crime and not unduly harsh.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Eighth Amendment of the United States Constitution, as part of the Bill of Rights, protects against excessive bails, excessive fines, and notably, cruel and unusual punishment. This provision means that the punishment should be proportionate to the crime committed and that unduly harsh penalties are prohibited. In essence, option 'c) Prohibits cruel and unusual punishment' is the correct answer to your question.
When considering what constitutes 'cruel and unusual,' the Supreme Court has generally allowed most penalties short of death for adults. Yet, the court's interpretation and controversies around this term demonstrate that the topic is still very much alive. Even though it's rare, accusations of excessive bail or fines can be challenged and have led to reforms in some areas.
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