THE BILL OF RIGHTS
Amendments 1-10 of the Constitution
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, sup****ted 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.
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