THE FIRST 10 AMENDMENTS TO THE CONSTITUTION ASRATIFIED BY THE STATES

Theseamendments were ratified December 15, 1791, and form what is known asthe "Bill of Rights."

Amendment I

Congressshall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, orprohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom ofspeech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably toassemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

Amendment II

Awellregulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State,the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not beinfringed.

Amendment III

NoSoldiershall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without theconsent of the Owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to beprescribed by law.

Amendment IV

Therightof the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, andeffects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not beviolated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause,supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing theplace to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.

Amendment V

Nopersonshall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime,unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except incases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when inactual service in time of War or public danger; nor shall any personbe subject for the same offence to be twice put in jeopardy of lifeor limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witnessagainst himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property,without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken forpublic use, without just compensation.

Amendment VI

Inallcriminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedyand public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and districtwherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shallhave been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of thenature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with thewitnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtainingwitnesses in his favor, and to have the Assistance of Counsel for hisdefence.

Amendment VII

Insuitsat common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twentydollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no facttried by a jury, shall be otherwise reexamined in any Court of theUnited States, than according to the rules of the common law.

Amendment VIII

Excessivebail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor crueland unusual punishments inflicted.

Amendment IX

Theenumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not beconstrued to deny or disparage others retained by the people.

Amendment X

Thepowersnot delegated to the United States by the Constitution, norprohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the Statesrespectively, or to the people.