Which of the following is NOT a right protected by the Eighth Amendment?

The Eighth Amendment of the United States Constitution is primarily concerned with protecting individuals against harsh and excessive penalties in the criminal justice system. It specifically addresses three key protections: excessive bail, excessive fines, and cruel and unusual punishment. Therefore, the correct answer here is the right that is not protected by the Eighth Amendment, which is freedom of speech.

Freedom of speech is safeguarded by the First Amendment, not the Eighth. The protections afforded by the Eighth Amendment are designed to ensure that individuals are not subjected to unreasonable financial demands or inhumane treatment within the legal system. Understanding which rights belong to which amendments is key in navigating constitutional law and the various protections they offer.