What does the Eighth Amendment primarily protect against?

The Eighth Amendment primarily protects against excessive bail, excessive fines, and cruel and unusual punishments. Its main purpose is to ensure that punishments for crimes are not only fair but also proportionate to the offense committed. The framers of the Constitution were concerned about the potential for abusive practices in the justice system, and the Eighth Amendment reflects this intent by safeguarding individuals from inhumane treatment by the state. This includes prohibiting punishments that are deemed too severe or that violate fundamental standards of decency.

The other options address different amendments or legal protections. Illegal search and seizure is covered by the Fourth Amendment, self-incrimination is protected by the Fifth Amendment, and the establishment of religion pertains to the First Amendment. Therefore, the focus of the Eighth Amendment on protecting individuals from extreme and unreasonable punishments makes it distinct and specific to issues of justice and human rights within the legal system.