Log In Register

Bill of Rights/Amendments I–X

1
Amendment I
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion2, or prohibiting the free exercise3 thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech4, or of the press5; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble6, and to petition7 the Government for a redress of grievances.
8
Amendment II
A well regulated Militia9, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms10, shall not be infringed.
11
Amendment III
12
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.
13
Amendment IV
The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures14 , shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue15 , 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.
16
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 Jury17, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces18, 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 limb19; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself20, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law21; nor shall private property be taken for public use22, without just compensation23.
24
Amendment VI
In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy25 and public trial26, by an impartial jury27 of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed28, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation29; to be confronted with the witnesses30 against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor31, and to have the Assistance of Counsel32 for his defence.
33
Amendment VII
In Suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury34 shall be preserved, and no fact tried by a jury, shall be otherwise re-examined in any Court of the United States, than according to the rules of the common law35.
36
Amendment VIII
37
Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments38 inflicted.
39
Amendment IX
The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights40, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.
41
Amendment X
The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States42 respectively, or to the people.

Resource Metadata

Type

Document

Date

December 15, 1791

Authors

  • Unknown

Collections

Annotations (42)

    Source & Citation Info

    title:“Bill of Rights/Amendments I–X”
    authors:Anonymous
    date written:December 15, 1791
    permanent link
    to this version:    		http://consource.org/document/bill-of-rights/20130122212829/
    last updated:Jan. 22, 2013, 9:28 p.m. UTC
    retrieved:May 23, 2013, 1:36 a.m. UTC