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1995-03-13
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77 lines
THE BILL OF RIGHTS
The Bill of Rights are the first 10 Amendments to the
constitution that were adopted shortly after the First Congress
had started to meet as set forth in the constitution. Several
states may have refused to ratify the constitution had the promise
of the Bill of Rights not been made.
1st Amendment
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.
2nd Amendment
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.
3rd Amendment
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.
4th Amendment
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.
5th Amendment
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 offence, 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.
6th Amendment
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 defence.
7th Amendment
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 re-
examined in any court of the United States than according to the
rules of the common law.
8th Amendment
Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines
imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishment inflicted.
9th Amendment
The enumeration in the Constitution of certain rights shall not
be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.
10th Amendment
The powers not delegated to the United States shall not be
construed to extend to any suit in law or equity, commenced or
prosecuted against one of the United States by citizens of
another State or by citizens or subjects of any foreign state.