Last update:
12-Dec-99
©1996-2004
Mike Todd
The American
Constitution 3
Amendments 1-10 (Bill of Rights)
Note:
The sub-section numbers are not in the text of the Constitution and have
been added here for clarity. This also represents the current version,
with various changes from the original as a result of the various amendments.
Because the Constitution is a long document, I've split it into:
Article 1
* Articles 2-7
Amendments 1-10 * Amendments 11-18
* Amendments 19-26
Amendment 1
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
2
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
3
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
4
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
5
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 offence 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
6
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 defence.
Amendment
7
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
8
Excessive
bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and
unusual punishments inflicted.
Amendment
9
The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.
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.
Encyclopedia
Home page
Article 1 * Articles 2-7
Amendments 1-10 * Amendments 11-18 * Amendments 19-26