The Bill of Rights includes the first 10 amendments to the United States Constitution concerning issues from freedom of speech to right to a trial by jury, according to BillofRights.org. These amendments were created to protect individual freedoms.Continue Reading
The first amendment, Freedom of Speech, Press, Religion and Petition, prevents Congress from making law denying these rights, states the Avalon Project of Yale Law School. Amendment II, Right to keep and bear arms, provides for a well-regulated militia to protect the security of a free state. Amendment III, Conditions of quarters for soldiers, provides that no soldier, during time of peace or war, shall be quartered in any house without consent of the owner. Amendment IV, Right of search and seizure regulated, allows individuals to be secure in their persons, houses, paper and effects.
Provisions concerning prosecution, Amendment V, requires due process of law and states that no person can be subject twice for prosecution of the same offense, notes BillofRights. Amendment VI, Right to a speedy trial, witnesses, etc., provides for an impartial jury and the assistance of counsel for defense. Right to a trial by jury, Amendment VII, requires no fact tried by a jury be otherwise reexamined in any court. Amendment VIII, Excessive bail, cruel punishment, disallows excessive fines and cruel and unusual punishment. Rule of construction of Constitution, Amendment IX, states certain rights shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people. Amendment X, Rights of the State under Constitution, declares powers not delegated nor prohibited by the United States are reserved to the States or the people.Learn more about Law