1. The Rights of American Citizens
Chapter 15 Sections 3

2. Legal Protections of the U.S. Constitution
Writ of Habeus Corpus – requires an official bring the accused before the court to know the charges against him or her. This protects people from being in jail illegally.
Bill of Attainder – The Constitution forbids people accused of a crime from being sentenced without a trial in court.
Ex Poste Facto Law – The Constitution prohibits a person for being punished for a crime that was committed before it was illegal.
Due Process of Law - The 5th and the 14th amendment guarantees that the government cannot take your life, liberty, or property without a legal reason or without following certain legal processes.

3. Rights of people accused of crimes
4th Amendment – It requires the police to get a search warrant to search or seize a persons property.
5th Amendment – It allows a person to refuse to testify. It outlaws double jeopardy. It guarantees that evidence be brought before a grand jury to decide whether the government has enough evidence to go to trial.
6th Amendment – It guarantees the accused the right to a lawyer, the right to know the charges against them, and the right to a speedy and public trial by jury.
8th Amendment – It outlaws “cruel and unusual punishment” and it prohibits excessive bail.
**Police officers who make an arrest must inform the suspect of their constitutional rights.

4. Amendment Protections
4th Amendment – It requires the police to get a search warrant to search or seize a persons property.
5th Amendment – It allows a person to refuse to testify. It outlaws double jeopardy. It guarantees that evidence be brought before a grand jury to decide whether the government has enough evidence to go to trial.
6th Amendment – It guarantees the accused the right to a lawyer, the right to know the charges against them, and the right to a speedy and public trial by jury.
8th Amendment – It outlaws “cruel and unusual punishment” and it prohibits excessive bail.
14th Amendment – guarantees due process of law
**Police officers who make an arrest must inform the suspect of their constitutional rights.