Constitutional Rights Overview

Section 1

• No deprivation of life, liberty, or property without due process
• Equal protection of laws guaranteed

Section 2

• Right to security of persons, houses, papers, and effects against unreasonable searches and seizures
• Warrants must have probable cause, issued by a judge, and describe the place and people to be searched

Section 3

• Privacy of communication and correspondence is inviolable except by lawful court order or when public safety or order demands it
• Evidence obtained through violations of this section isn't admissible

Section 4

• Freedom of speech, expression, press, assembly, and petitioning the government is protected

Section 5

• No establishing a state religion, and free exercise of religion is guaranteed
• No religious tests for civil or political rights

Section 6

• Liberty of abode and travel is protected, but limited by court orders or when necessary for national security, public safety, or public health
• Rights to information, pertaining to official acts, is guaranteed, Subject to certain limitations

Section 7

• Right to information pertaining to official acts, transactions, decisions, and government research data as basis for policy is guaranteed - citizen access is recognized
• Citizen access is subject to limitations

Section 8

• Right of people to form unions, associations, or societies is guaranteed
• Purpose of formation must be lawful

Section 9

• Private property not taken for public use without just compensation

Section 10

• Law impairing obligation of contracts disallowed

Section 11

• Free access to the courts and quasi-judicial bodies
• Legal assistance provided to those in need

Section 12

• Right to remain silent and have independent counsel, especially for disadvantaged persons
• No use of torture, force, or violent means
• Confessions obtained through violations of these rights can't be admitted as evidence.

Section 13

• Right to bail for all but serious crimes
• Rights are affirmed even if habeas corpus is suspended
• Excessive bail provisions

Section 14

• Criminal charges require due process of law
• Presumption of innocence, right to counsel, speedy trial, confrontation of witnesses
• Accused can be tried even if absent after arraignment

Section 15

• Privilege of habeas corpus protected, except in cases involving invasion or rebellion or where public safety requires it

Section 16

• Right to speedy disposition of cases before courts and quasi-judicial bodies

Section 17

• Protection against self-incrimination

Section 18

• Freedom of political beliefs and aspirations
• No involuntary servitude, except as punishment for crimes

Section 19

• Limitations on excessive fines and cruel, unusual, inhumane, punishment
• Death penalty restrictions
• Use of inadequate penal facilities disallowed

Section 20

• Protection from imprisonment for debt, including poll taxes

Section 21

• Protection against double jeopardy
• Punishment for one crime cannot be pursued if already tried via either law or ordinance

Section 22

• Prohibition of ex post facto laws and bills of attainder