|
|
|
Bill of Rights
Constitutional Amendments 1-10
The Conventions of a number of the States having,
at the time of adopting the Constitution,
expressed a desire, in order to prevent misconstruction
or abuse of its powers, that further declaratory and restrictive clauses
should be added, and as extending the ground of public confidence in
the Government will best insure the beneficent ends of its institution;
Resolved, by the Senate and House of Representatives
of the United States of America, in Congress assembled, two-thirds of
both Houses concurring, that the following articles be proposed to the
Legislatures of the several States, as amendments to the Constitution
of the United States; all or any of which articles, when ratified by
three-fourths of the said Legislatures, to be valid to all intents and
purposes as part of the said Constitution, namely:
Amendment I
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment
of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging
the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably
to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.
Amendment II
A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security
of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall
not be infringed.
Amendment III
No soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in
any house, without the consent of the owner, nor in time of war, but
in a manner to be prescribed by law.
Amendment IV
The right of the people to be secure in their persons,
houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures,
shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue, but upon probable
cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing
the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.
Amendment V
No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or
otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a
grand jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or
in the militia, when in actual service in time of war or public danger;
nor shall any person be subject for the same offense to be twice put
in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal
case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty,
or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property
be taken for public use, without just compensation.
Amendment VI
In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy
the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the
state and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which
district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed
of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the
witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses
in his favor, and to have the assistance of counsel for his defense.
Amendment VII
In suits at common law, where the value in controversy
shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved,
and no fact tried by a jury, shall be otherwise reexamined in any court
of the United States, than according to the rules of the common law.
Amendment VIII
Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive
fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.
Amendment IX
The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights,
shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.
Amendment X
The powers not delegated to the United States by the
Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the states, are reserved to the
states respectively, or to the people.
[BACK TO SUPREME COURT AND LEGAL
RESOURCES PAGE]
|