Final answer:
The phrase from the Eighth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, 'excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted,' mandates that penalties be fair and not excessive, impacting how violations without specified penalties are treated.
Step-by-step explanation:
The phrase 'excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted' is a constitutional safeguard found in the Eighth Amendment of the United States Constitution. This provision protects individuals from punitive measures that are deemed disproportionate to the offense committed. When a law, such as chapter 477, does not specify a penalty for a violation, it is implied that any resulting penalty must align with this constitutional provision - ensuring that it is not excessive, overly punitive, or cruel.
The imposition of fines or bail must meet the requirements of fairness and justice, thereby preventing any excessive or inhumane treatment of individuals within the legal system. This protection ensures a balanced and equitable approach to sentencing and criminal justice.