Bill of Rights

First Amendment

“Congress shall make no law” that inhibits citizens’ rights to religion, free speech, the press, peaceable assembly, and petition

Second Amendment

Citizens shall have the right to “keep and bear arms,” especially as a “militia”

Third Amendment

No soldier shall be nonconsensually quartered in the house of a citizen

Fourth Amendment

Officers of the government may not make searches without a warrant or “probable cause”

Fifth Amendment

1. Felony requires jury indictment

2. Double jeopardy is illegal

3. Citizens shall not be compelled to testify against themselves

4. “Due process”

5. Eminent domain: land may not be taken without “just compensation”

Sixth Amendment

Criminal cases…

1. Have right to a “speedy and public trial”

2. Decided upon by a jury of peers

3. Prosecuted must be aware of their charges

4. Right to cross-examination

5. Public defender

Seventh Amendment

Civil law…

• Trial by jury

• May not be reviewed twice (except with legal appeals processes)

Eighth Amendment

Citizens shall not be charged “excessive bail,” “excessive fines,” or “cruel and unusual punishment”

Ninth Amendment

Bill of Rights shall not be “construed to deny or disparage” other rights

Tenth Amendment

All other powers go to the people