The
Ten Original Amendments to the Constitution of the United States
Passed by Congress September 25, 1789, Ratified December 15, 1791
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 offense 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.
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 defense.
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 re-examined in any court of the United States, than according
to the rules of the common law.
VII
Excessive bail shall not
be required nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments
inflicted.
IX
The enumeration in the Constitution,
of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained
by the people.
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. |