The Bill of Rights
The First 10 Amendments to the US Constitution
Designed to protect individual liberties from the tyranny of government
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. 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.
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. 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 of things to be seized. 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. 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.
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.
VIII. Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed,
nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.
IX. The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be
construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.
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.