Bill of Rights

1st Amendment

1. Government can’t establish or promote an official religion (Establishment Clause)

2. Government can’t stop you from practicing your faith the way that you want to do so (Free Exercise Clause)

3. Government can’t prevent free speech

4. Government can’t control the press/media

5. Government can’t prevent people from peacefully gathering to express their ideas

6. The right to seek change in the government without fear of punishment

2nd Amendment

The right to own weapons & have a well-regulated militia

3rd Amendment

People cannot be required to house, feed… soldiers without consent & compensation

4th Amendment

1. People have the right to privacy, and the government cannot search you, your home, ideas (written), or property without a warrant

2. A warrant will not be issued unless there is probable cause (up to the standards of law)

3. A warrant must be specific in nature— identify what is to be searched & what is being sought

5th Amendment

1. No one may be held in jail (over 72 hours) unless a Grand Jury says that there is enough evidence to go to trial

2. Members of the military are subject to military law (Martial Law), not civilian laws/courts

3. Cannot be tried twice for the same crime (double jeopardy)

4. People cannot be forced to testify against themselves

5. Your rights must be protected by due process of law (usually seen as the 4-7th amendments) & the government must make sure all of your rights are protected, before you may be fined, imprisoned, or put to death

6th Amendment

1. Right to a speedy (without undue delay) trial, that is open to the public (no secret trials)

2. Right to a jury of your peers, who base their ruling only on the facts of the case

3. Trials will be in the location of the crime, unless it is necessary to relocate to give a fair trial

4. Right to know the crime to which you are accused

5. Right to question witnesses against you, in court

6. Witnesses may be forced to attend & participate in a trial

7. Right to a lawyer

7th Amendment

1. You have the right to a jury in Civil Lawsuit (as well as criminal)— people suing other companies for damages ($). Not just criminal cases

2. The ‘facts’ of a case shall only be examined in the court of original jurisdiction (NOT in appeals courts)

8th Amendment

1. No excessive bail

2. No excessive fines

3. No cruel or unusual punishment

9th Amendment

Just because a right is not listed, does not mean it does not exist, or has been forfeited by the people. We have rights not listed

10th Amendment

Guarantee of the rights and powers of the states. States or the people maintain all powers not expressly forbidden to the states