BILL OF RIGHTS

Personal Rights 1.The Bill of Rights protects the individual rights of the American people. 2.It is the first 10 amendments, or additions, to the Constitution.

1 st Amendment Freedom of religion, speech, assembly, and the press.

AMENDMENT I 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 … - Bill of Rights, 1791

2 nd Amendment The right to own a gun.

AMENDMENT II 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. - Bill of Rights, 1791

3 rd Amendment The right to refuse to house soldiers.

4 th Amendment No illegal searches.

5 th Amendment A person cannot be forced to incriminate themselves. A person cannot be tried for the same crime twice.

6 th Amendment The right to a fair and quick trial. The right to a lawyer.

AMENDMENT VI In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury … and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation … and to have the Assistance of Counsel for his defense. - Bill of Rights, 1791

7 th Amendment The right to a jury trial in civil, or non- criminal, cases.

8 th Amendment No unreasonable bail or punishment.

AMENDMENT VIII Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted. - Bill of Rights, 1791

9 th Amendment People’s rights are not limited to those mentioned in the Constitution.

10 th Amendment Any powers not mentioned in the Constitution are left to the states.

Read the following scenarios and decide which amendment from the Bill of Rights applies.

#1 A family had a diamond necklace stolen from their home. They believe the necklace was stolen by one of their neighbors. The police quickly begin to search every house in the neighborhood until they finally retrieve the necklace. Which amendment applies? Why?

#2 A small town in California passes a new law stating that all citizens MUST attend the local Christian church. Anyone who does not obey the law is fined by the police. Which amendment applies? Why?

#3 A person was arrested for stealing a bicycle. He was put on trial and found guilty. As a punishment, he was sentenced to life in prison. Which amendment applies? Why?

#4 The police arrest a man for kidnapping a 6 year old boy. A judge immediately orders the man to be thrown in prison for 15 years. Which amendment applies? Why?

#5 A large group of people are peacefully protesting in front of City Hall. The Mayor orders the police to immediately remove all of the protestors and have them arrested. Which amendment applies? Why?

#6 A major newspaper plans to publish an article in tomorrow’s edition reporting that the Governor of Colorado recently bribed two Denver businessmen. The Governor contacted the newspaper and demanded that the article NOT be published. Which amendment applies? Why?