The Eighth Amendment prohibits which of the following practices?

The Eighth Amendment to the United States Constitution explicitly prohibits excessive bail and excessive fines, as well as cruel and unusual punishments. This is crucial because it ensures that the punishment for crimes is proportional to the offense and protects individuals from being subjected to harsh and unreasonable financial burdens as judicial measures.

In the context of the question, the correct choice emphasizes the constitutional safeguards against punitive measures that are deemed excessive in relation to the crime committed. This provision is particularly important in maintaining justice and fairness in the legal system by preventing abuses that could arise from punitive fines and bail amounts that are not appropriate for the circumstances of the case.

While the other options represent aspects of the justice system, they are not covered by the Eighth Amendment in the same way. For instance, capital punishment is allowed under certain circumstances, and a life sentence can be imposed legally. Additionally, the right to trial by jury is protected under different amendments, specifically the Sixth Amendment. Thus, the focus of the Eighth Amendment is specifically on preventing excessive bail, fines, and cruel and unusual punishments.