NEWS FLASH . . . GOVERNOR OF TEXAS SIGNS BILL OF RIGHTS MONUMENT RESOLUTION . . . On June 18, 2007, Governor Rick Perry signed HCR 111, giving final approval to the placement of a monument of the federal Bill of Rights on the historic grounds of the Texas state capitol . . . Preliminary design work is well underway, expected to be completed by the end of July . . . more information in our upcoming newsletters . . .
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Congress
of the United States begun and held at the
City of New York, on Wednesday the Fourth
of March, one thousand seven hundred and eighty
nine.
The Conventions of a number of the States
having at the time of their adopting the Constitution,
expressed a desire, in order to prevent misconstruction
or abuse of its powers, that further declaratory
and restrictive clauses should be added: And
as extending the ground of public confidence
in the Government, will best insure the beneficent
ends of its institution
Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives
of the United States of America, in Congress
assembled, two thirds of both Houses concurring,
that the following Articles be proposed to
the Legislatures of the several States, as
Amendments to the Constitution of the United
States, all or any of which Articles, when
ratified by three fourths of the said Legislatures,
to be valid to all intents and purposes, as
part of the said Constitution; viz.:
Articles in addition to, and Amendment of
the Constitution of the United States of America,
proposed by Congress, and ratified by the
Legislatures of the several States, pursuant
to the fifth Article of the original Constitution
The First 10 Amendments to the Constitution
as Ratified by the States December 15, 1791 (The Bill of Rights)
Amendment 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.
Amendment
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.
Amendment
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.
Amendment
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.
Amendment
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 offence 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.
Amendment
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 defence.
Amendment
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.
Amendment
VIII
Excessive
bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed,
nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.
Amendment
IX
The
enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall
not be construed to deny or disparage others retained
by the people.
Amendment 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.
