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Bill of Rights
The first ten amendments
to the United States Constitution are commonly referred to as the "Bill
of Rights" These paragraphs were included by the founding fathers to
protect all United States citizens from abuses by the government. To
see how a particular amendment is currently interpreted by our legal
system, click on the highlighted text.
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.
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