
The Bill of Rights
Amendments I through X to the
Constitution of the United States
As ratified December 15, 1791
AMENDMENT I.
Religious establishment prohibited. Freedom of speech, of
the press, and right to petition.
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.
Right to keep and bear arms.
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.
Conditions for quarters for soldiers.
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.
Right of search and seizure regulated.
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.
Provisions concerning prosecution. Trial and punishment-private property not to
be taken for public use without compensation.
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.
AMENDMENT VI.
Right to speedy trial, witnesses, etc.
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.
AMENDMENT VII.
Right of trial by jury.
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 reexamined in any court of the United States, than according to the rules of the
common law.
AMENDMENT VIII.
Excessive bail or fines and cruel punishment prohibited.
Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual
punishments inflicted.
AMENDMENT IX.
Rule of construction of Constitution.
The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or
disparage others retained by the people.
AMENDMENT X.
Rights of States under Constitution.
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.
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