Which rights does the Eighth Amendment protect?

The Eighth Amendment of the United States Constitution specifically protects individuals from cruel and unusual punishment. This amendment serves as a safeguard against excessive bail and fines, as well as inhumane treatment in the criminal justice system. The principle behind this protection is to ensure that punishments are proportionate to the crime committed and to prevent barbaric or inhumane treatment of offenders. This reflects a broader commitment to maintaining human dignity, even in the context of punishment.

The other options represent rights protected by different amendments within the Bill of Rights: the right to free speech and assembly is covered under the First Amendment; the right to bear arms is addressed in the Second Amendment; and the right to a speedy trial is found in the Sixth Amendment. Each of these rights has its own specific protections and implications outlined in the Constitution, distinct from the protections granted by the Eighth Amendment.