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Note:
The following text is a transcription
of the first
10 amendments to the Constitution in their original form.
These amendments were ratified December 15, 1791,
and form what is
known
as the "Bill of Rights."
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 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 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 defence.
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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