Which of the following is NOT covered under the 8th amendment?

The 8th Amendment of the United States Constitution primarily addresses issues related to the treatment of individuals in the criminal justice system, focusing on protections against excessive bail, excessive fines, and cruel and unusual punishment. Therefore, it explicitly covers topics such as excessive bail and fines, as well as the prohibition of cruel punishments.

Freedom of speech, on the other hand, is protected under the 1st Amendment, which guarantees the right to express one’s opinions and ideas without government interference. This fundamental right is distinct from the protections provided by the 8th Amendment, which does not encompass broader civil liberties like freedom of speech. Understanding this distinction clarifies why the correct choice pertains to an area outside the scope of the 8th Amendment's protections.