"We are alarmed by what is perceived as a trend toward highly excessive fines against companies nationwide for paperwork violations."

Protects people against excessive or unreasonable fines or cruel and unusual punishment.

That amendment, most often invoked for its prohibition against cruel and unusual punishment, also prohibits "excessive fines."

Mr. Washington wants to ease what many small business owners consider excessive fines from the city.

"nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted."

Another source of income were excessive fines, which further damaged his reputation in his country.

A 1989 attempt to limit damages had failed to prove that they were against that part of the Constitution prohibiting excessive fines.

At a public hearing on the issue last Tuesday, Town Council members listened to 35 residents who complained about what they considered excessive fines.

Cox said he will not appeal the decision, but he plans to file a lawsuit claiming unfair treatment and "excessive fines."

That is the best guarantee that they will not face excessive fines.