This week features the 2nd half of the Bill of Rights, where, by the focus of these amendments, it becomes pretty obvious that most of our Founders were attorneys!
- Reading Notes: Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation is from the original text.
- If you’d like to dig deeper, we’ve included a resource section at the bottom.
Amendment VI
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 wherein 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 defence.
Amendment VII
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.
Amendment VIII
Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.
Amendment IX
The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.
Amendment X
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.
Resources: Dig Deeper
- Sixth Amendment: Rights in Criminal Prosecutions
- Seventh Amendment: Civil Trial Rights
- Eighth Amendment: Cruel and Unusual Punishment
- Ninth Amendment: Unenumerated Rights
- Tenth Amendment: Rights Reserved to the States and the People
Happy reading,
Stephanie Sharp
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