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THE FIRST 10 AMENDMENTS TO THE CONSTITUTION AS RATIFIED BY THE STATES


These amendments were ratified December 15, 1791, and form what is known as the

"Bill of Rights."


Amendment I - Freedom of speech, press, assembly


Amendment II - Right to 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

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 - Protection from unlawful search and seizure

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 - Protection from double jeopardy

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 - Right to speedy trial; Right to jury trial; Right to confront witnesses

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 reexamined in any

Court of the United States, than according to the rules of the common law.


Amendment VIII - Protection from excessive bail; Protection from cruel and unusual punishment

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.

Also of importance to criminal justice:


Amendment XIV - Right of all people to due process of law

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