Amendment: An amendment refers to a change or addition made to the United States Constitution. It is necessary for any significant alterations or additions to the country's fundamental laws.
Punishment: Punishment involves the consequences or penalties inflicted on individuals who have committed an offense or violated laws. It serves as a deterrent and aims at correcting behavior.
Cruel and Unusual Punishment: Cruel and unusual punishment refers to punishments that are considered excessively harsh, disproportionate, or violate basic human rights. The Eighth Amendment protects against such punishments in the United States.