Final answer:
The question refers to the Eighth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which prohibits 'excessive bail' and fines. Whether or not a one million dollar bail in this scenario is 'excessive' would depend on multiple factors and would ultimately be determined by the presiding judge.
Step-by-step explanation:
The scenario you're asking about relates to the Eighth Amendment of the United States Constitution. This amendment states that "Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted." In the case of Clyde Billingsly, what constitutes 'excessive' does depend on various circumstances surrounding the crime. Yet, it is rare for bail to be successfully challenged for being excessive. The Supreme Court has defined an excessive fine as one "so grossly excessive as to amount to deprivation of property without due process of law" or "grossly disproportional to the gravity of a defendant's offense."
Looking at the crime – knocking down an elderly person and stealing a purse containing $4.10 – a one million dollar bail could appear grossly disproportional to the gravity of the offense. However, this determination would ultimately fall to the judge handling the case. They have to take into account several factors, including the defendant's criminal history, their flight risk, and the risk they pose to the community.
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