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.
Under attack by laws and court decisions controlling "commercial speech," banning artistic and sexual
expression, creating curfews, prohibiting religious practices, and closing church schools.
I I
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.
Under attack by legislation banning imported weapons, sports rifles and handguns.
I I I
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 only part of the Bill of Rights NOT violated by government today.
I V
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.
Under attack by laws and court decisions sanctioning warrantless searches, use of illegally seized evidence, strip searches, mandatory urine testing, and confiscation of cars, bank accounts, and homes - based upon accusation, rather than indictment and trial.
V
No person shall be held to answer for a capital or otherwise infamous crime, unless 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 offense 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.
Under attack by government agencies taking away the property and even the children of Americans without any hearing or indictment by a Grand Jury.
V I
In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to 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 witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the assistance of counsel for his defence.
Under attack by laws authorizing lengthy pre-trial detention and by a legal system in which it can take YEARS before a case comes to trial, as a result of the ever-expanding list of "crimes."
V I I
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.
Under attack as the threat of lengthy pretrial detention and civil asset forfeiture force many innocent people to plead guilty to crimes they did not commit.
V I I I
Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.
Under attack as the government abolishes bail for many federal crimes and creates huge fines and draconian punishments for minor tax, drug and securities offenses.
I X
The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.
Under attack as all limits are removed from government and the basic individual rights of Americans are disparaged and ignored.
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.
Under attack as the Federal Government undermines the sovereignty of the states and their citizens through federal aid and regulation of all aspects of commerce and society.
