Prior to the existence of the Eighth Amendment, there was little to protect citizens of the English colonies from excessive bail, excessive fines, and cruel and unusual punishments. The enduring freedoms guaranteed by this amendment are extremely important to all U.S. citizens. Readers will learn about the politicians who fought for the amendment's passage. They will also learn about what life was like for Americans before the Eighth Amendment was passed, how the amendment's elastic wording has helped it remain relevant through the years, and how it defends our freedoms today.