Bill of Rights
Kyi Holmes
What are the Bill of Rights?
1st amendment right to free speech, religion, and press.
Charles sent leaflets to recently d rafted men opposing military conscription and was arrested for violating the Espionage act. The court upheld his conviction. Wendell Holmes jr. stated that Shencks words could cause danger.
2nd amendment: right to bear arms
Bliss v.s. commonwealth
A man named Bliss was fined $100 dollars for having a sword in a cane, It was the first major court case ruling over the right to bear arms for personal use.
3rd amendment: The right to privacy in the home
In 1787-88 he worked with John Jay and James Madison to write series of 85 essays in support of the Constitution.
4th amendment: unreasonable search and seizure
In 1833 the Barron and Baltimore case the Bill of Rights did not apply to state and local governments. After the civil war the 14 amendment was ratified and the Bill of Rights protected all citizens.
5th amendment: double jeopardy, self-incrimination, and due process of law
If you are found not guilty in criminal court you can't be tried twice for the same crime.
6th amendment: Right of the accused in criminal cases
Wingos right was not violated for a speedy trial because he did not demand his right until several years later.
7th amendment: The right to a jury trial
Innocent people in Massachusetts were put to death because of an unfair legal system. They were accused of witchcraft. As they years passed lawyers started to base their charges with facts in front of professional judges.
8th amendment: Preventing cruel and unusual punishments
A man named Gregg was charged with five different murder cases. He received the death penalty. The supreme court reviewed the case and decided it was fair because most states changed their laws and capitol punishment was socially acceptable.
9th amendment: Rights retained by the people
In 1783 the article of Confederation gave the states most of the power. Later realized the federal government decided that they had too little power and made the U.S. constitution. The new constitution added two more branches to the system.
10th amendment: Limiting federal powers
One of the most influential case in the tenth amendment. It started with child labor. At first the Federal government stayed out of the matter but if eventually reached the supreme court. The law was overturned with a 5-4 vote.