The Bill of Rights

The Bill of Rights consists of 10 amendments, though several deal with more than one right.

• The freedom of speech. You have the right to speak freely without censorship.
• The freedom of peaceful assembly. You have the right to associate with, organize any groups, gatherings, clubs, or organizations that you wish.
• The right of petition. You may seek relief from the government for grievances, including the right to file lawsuits against the government.
• The freedom of religion. You are free to worship in any religion you choose, and the government cannot support one religion over another.
• The right to bear arms. There is much debate about the meaning of this right. In general it states you may bear arms as necessary for the security of a free State.
• Housing soldiers in your home. The government cannot use private homes as quarters for soldiers without the consent of the owner.
• Search and seizure. A specific warrant or probable cause is required to search or seize your self or your property.
• Trial for major crime. You cannot be held for trial for a major crime without first being indicted by a grad jury.
• Repeated trials. You cannot be tried again for a crime after an acquittal.
• Due Process. You cannot be punished for a crime without being guaranteed fundamental fairness, justice, and liberty.
• Witness against yourself. You man not be forced to testify against yourself.
• Eminent domain. The government cannot take your private property without just compensation.
• Right to speedy trial. You are guaranteed a speedy public trial for criminal offenses.
• Trial by jury. You have the right to trial by a jury of your peers.
• You are guaranteed the right to legal counsel, even if you cannot afford it.
• You have the right to be preset in trial where witnesses testify against you.
• You have the right to know the charges against you.
• You have the right to a trial by jury in civil case involving anything valued at $20 or more at the time. Accounting for inflation this is currently about $300.
• Excessive bail or fines is prohibited. Including cruel and unusual punishment. The punishment should fit the crime.
• You have Miranda rights. The fifth and sixth amendments must be read to all persons placed under arrest.

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