Bill of Rights. The Bill of Rights The first 10 Amendments of the Constitution are called the Bill...
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Transcript of Bill of Rights. The Bill of Rights The first 10 Amendments of the Constitution are called the Bill...
Bill of RightsBill of Rights
The Bill of Rights
• The first 10 Amendments of the Constitution are called the Bill of Rights
• The Bill of Rights does 2 main things:- Protects Citizen's Rights- Limits the Power of Govt.
1st Amendment
Citizens are guaranteed:
- Freedom of Speech- Freedom of Religion- Freedom of Press- Freedom of Assembly- Freedom to Petition Govt.
2nd Amendment
• Guarantees Citizens & States:
- The Right to organize & maintain a militia in time of peace
- The right of citizens to bear arms to support the militia
3rd Amendment
• Guarantees Citizens:
- Will not have to quarter (house & feed) troops in time of peace
- Reaction to what British act (law)?
4th Amendment• Protects Citizens against illegal search &
seizures• Govt. must obtain a search warrant in order
to search private domain and confiscate personal property
• Exception:Probable CausePlain View Law
5th Amendment
• Rights of the Accused:
- Self-Incrimination Clause-Double Jeopardy
- Due Process of Law
6th Amendment
• Guarantees additional rights to those accused of a crime, including:
-Trial by jury-Speedy & Impartial Jury-Entitled to a lawyer
7th Amendment
• Guarantees citizens:
• Right to trial in civil cases if amount of money involved exceeds $20
Examples:-Lawsuits-Civil Violations
8th Amendment
• Guarantees citizens accused of a crime:
- Protection from Cruel & Unusual Punishment- Protection against excessive bail- Protection against excessive fines
9th Amendment
• States that the rights listed in the Constitution are not the only rights guaranteed to citizens
-Ensures private domain
- Right to choose our friends - Right to choose our job - Right to have children
10th Amendment
• States that any powers not given to the National govt. (Delegated Powers) are reserved or held by the states (Reserved Powers)
Powers & Clauses of the Bill of Rights
• The Bill of Rights has several important clauses that protect our Civil Liberties, including:
- Establishment Clause (1st Amend.)- Free Exercise Clause (1st Amend.)
- Exclusionary Rule (4th Amend.)- Self-Incrimination Clause (5th Amend.)- Double Jeopardy Clause (5th Amend.)
- Confrontation Clause (6th Amend.)- Implied Right to Privacy (3rd, 4th, 9th Amend.)
Establishment Clause
• Govt. can not set up a church• Can't pass laws that target/benefit one
particular religion• Can't force or deny religion to one person• Can't sponsor a religion
Free Exercise Clause
• No punishments for religious beliefs or rituals
• No tax can be levied to support any religious activity or institution (like a school) that teaches religion
Examples of 1st Amendment Clauses
• Denies the following from happening:
• Teaching the Bible in school• Tax money to church-affiliated schools• Prayer at graduation ceremonies• Religious statues/plaques in govt. buildings
and schools
Exclusionary Rule
• Govt. can not use material / information in a court of law if it was taken during an ILLEGAL search & seizure
Self-Incrimination Clause
• No person can be forced to be a witness against themselves (I plead the 5th!)
Double Jeopardy
• You can't be charged with the same crime twice once found guilty or innocent
Exception: In appeals from convicted person in jail (re-trial)
Confrontation Clause
• The right to confront (question) a witness who is accusing you of a crime
• Important? Protection from: - Lies - Heresay - Revenge
• Right to question credibility of witness
Implied Right to Privacy
• Ensures Private Domain
• What amendments “imply” the right to privacy?
• What are some example activities protected by this right?
Implied Right to Privacy
• Wire tapping without a warrant• Right to have an abortion• Protection from Illegal Search & Seizure• Right to home privacy
(Video Surveillance, Vulgarity, Right to Die)