The Bill of Rights.
Passed by Congress September
25, 1789. Ratified December 15, 1791.
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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