the ten amendments

first amendment

provides the freedom of speech, assembly, religion, press, and petition

second amendment

provides right to bear arms to maintain a well regulated militia

third amendment

inhibits the quartering of soldiers (in times of peace)

fourth amendment

provides freedom from unreasonable searches and seizures

fifth amendment

provides the right to due process of law, freedom from self incrimination, and double jeopardy

sixth amendment

provides the right to a speedy/public and fair trial by an impartial jury

seventh amendment

provides the right of trial by jury in civil cases

eighth amendment

provides freedom from excessive bail as well as cruel and unusual punishments

ninth amendment

provides citizens with additional rights not necessarily stated in the constitution

tenth amendment

prevents the government from making decisions not stated in the constitution; powers are reserved to the states

**grand** jury definition

a group of citizens that investigates the evidence of a crime and decides whether or not the accused should be prosecuted

**petit** jury definition

trial jury that decides whether the accused is guilty of a crime

double jeopardy

prohibits anyone from being prosecuted twice for the same crime

indictment

formal criminal charge issued when the grand jury believes the prosecutor has presented enough evidence

miranda rights

rights required to be given at time of arrest


1. right to remain silent
2. the things you say will be used against you
3. you have right to attorney
4. if you can’t afford an attorney, one will be appointed

immunity

you won’t be prosecuted if you testify

just compensation

if the government takes public property for personal use, it must pay a fair price for the property

voluntary confessions

Confessions are admitted into evidence at trial only if they are voluntary and not coerced

Public Safety Exception

Police may ask the suspect questions before giving Miranda warnings if public safety is jeopardized

due process

The govt must be fair in all its actions (criminal and civil cases)

silver platter doctrine

permitted federal courts to admit evidence illegally seized by state law enforcement officer and handed over to federal officers for use in federal cases.

eminent domain

seizing private property for public use