The US Bill of Rights

The U.S. Bill of Rights

• The Bill of Rights consists of the first ten amendments to the Constitution, ratified on December 15, 1791.
• These amendments safeguard individual rights and freedoms.

Freedom of Expression and Religion

• Congress cannot establish a national religion or prohibit the free exercise of religion.
• The freedom of speech, press, and peaceful assembly are protected.
• Citizens have the right to petition the government for redress of grievances.

Right to Bear Arms

• A well-regulated militia is necessary for a free state's security.
• The right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.

Protection of Property and Persons

• Soldiers cannot be quartered in homes without the owner's consent, even in wartime.
• The right to be secure in person, house, papers, and effects is protected against unreasonable searches and seizures.
• Warrants must be issued upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and describing the place to be searched and the persons or things to be seized.

Protection Against Self-Incrimination

• No person shall be held to answer for a capital or infamous crime unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury.
• No person shall be subject to double jeopardy for the same offence.
• No person shall be compelled to be a witness against themselves in a criminal case.
• The right to life, liberty, or property cannot be deprived without due process of law.
• Private property cannot be taken for public use without just compensation.

Right to a Fair Trial

• The accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial by an impartial jury.
• The accused shall be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation.
• The accused shall have the right to confront witnesses against them, to obtain witnesses in their favor, and to have the Assistance of Counsel for their defense.

Trial by Jury

• The right to trial by jury shall be preserved in suits at common law where the value in controversy exceeds twenty dollars.
• No fact tried by a jury shall be re-examined in any Court of the United States, except according to the rules of the common law.

Protection Against Cruel Punishment

• Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.

Retention of Rights

• The enumeration of certain rights in the Constitution shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.

Powers Reserved to the States

• 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.