Pet Forum

You don't have to be a civil rights attorney to understand the Bill Of Rights. Simply put, the Bill Of Rights are the first ten amendments to the United States Constitution, which itself outlined the legal formation of our country. Let's list all of the Bill Of Rights and provide a very simply explanation of what they mean.

First Amendment - 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. The 1st Amendment states that: a) our government may not eastblish any religion, b) citizens on the United States are free to exercise their religious beliefs, c)we are free to speak what is on our minds, with few exceptions, d) the government may not interfere with the press, e) we may assemble in groups freely, f) we can petition the government for relief.

Second Amendment - 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. The 2nd Amendment states that we have the right to own guns.

Third Amendment - 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. The 3rd Amendment explains that we don't have to let soldiers live in our homes.

Fourth Amendment - 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. The 4th Amendment states that the government can not search on or property or take anything from it unless they follow special procedures that are designed to safeguard us from unreasonableness.

Fifth Amendment - No person shall be held to answer for any 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. The 5th Amendment explains that: a) we are entitled to a due process, b) we can not be charged with the same crime twice (double jeopardy), c) the government can not force us to testify against ourselves, d) the government must pay us for our property if it is seized for public use.

Sixth Amendment - 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 where in 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. The 6th Amendment states that: a) if we are charged with a crime the trial must begin soon (speedy trial), b) we have the right to have a trial by jury in criminal cases, c) we must be allowed to observe our accusers and witnesses in a criminal trial, d) all criminal trials must be open to the public, e) we have the right to an attorney to represent us in a criminal trial.

Seventh Amendment - 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. The 7th Amendment explains that we have the right to request a trial by jury if the amount that is being sued for is over a certain dollar figure.

Eighth Amendment - Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted. The 8th Amendment states that the amount of bail set by the court must be reasonable, and the punishment that is sanctioned by the court can not be cruel.

Ninth Amendment - The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people. The 9th Amendment, which is my favorite, just explains that all of the people's rights are not contained within the Constitution. In other words, the Constitution does not limit our rights, but rather attempts to define some of them.

Tenth Amendment - 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. Under the 10th Amendment, we realize that our federal government's powers are limited by the Constitution, and any remaining powers not granted by the Constitution belong to the states and the people.

Nice explanations Alec! My son could use this for studying for the US history regents for sure. Great job!