In an opinion by Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the Court confirmed that state fines must comply with the Eighth Amendment. To be sure, all fifty states already prohibit excessive fines in their own constitutions, some directly and others by requiring proportionality.

It became part of the U.S. Bill of Rights in 1791 as the Eighth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. In the early years of the republic, the phrase “cruel and unusual punishment” was interpreted as prohibiting torture and particularly barbarous punishments.

Bail also assists a defendant in preparing his or her case for trial, for it is far more difficult to consult with counsel when one is in police custody. The Eighth Amendment ensures that bail cannot be “excessive,” at an amount so high that it would be impossible for all but the richest defendants to pay it.

The ninth amendment was added to the Bill of Rights to ensure that the maxim expression unique est exclusion alterius would not be used at a later time to deny fundamental rights merely because they were not specifically enumerated in the Constitution.

Supreme Court limits power of states and localities to impose fines, seize property. The Supreme Court ruled unanimously Wednesday that the Constitution’s prohibition on excessive fines applies to state and local governments, limiting their abilities to impose financial penalties and seize property.

A branch of state government cannot draw on federal civil rights laws to sue another branch of government, the Chicago-based appeals court decided. …

Foreign sovereign immunity in state and federal courts The FSIA provides the exclusive basis and means to bring a lawsuit against a foreign sovereign in the United States. In international law, the prohibition against suing a foreign government is known as state immunity.

States are protected by the doctrine of sovereign immunity from having to pay damages in most cases. They may only be sued for injunctive relief to prohibit constitutional violations, not afterwards for any damages caused. All government officials receive some form of immunity from damages.

Judges are typically immune from a lawsuit. You cannot sue judges for actions they took in their official capacity. Only in rare circumstances can you sue a judge. In order to find out if your situation qualifies in the United States, you will need to meet with an attorney.