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Bill of Rights Audio Files
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THE PREAMBLE TO THE BILL OF RIGHTS
Congress of the United States begun and held at the City of New
York, on Wednesday the fourth of March, one thousand seven hundred
and eighty-nine.
The Conventions of a number of the States, having
at the time of their adopting the Constitution expressed a desire
in order to prevent misconstruction or abuse of its powers, that
further declaratory and restrictive clauses should be added: And
as extending the ground of public confidence in the Government
will best ensure the beneficent ends of its institution.
Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives
of the United States of America in Congress assembled, two thirds
of both Houses concurring that the following Articles be proposed
to the Legislatures of the several states as Amendments to the
Constitution of the United States, all or any of which articles,
when ratified by three fourths of the said Legislatures to be
valid to all intents and purposes as part of the said Constitution.
viz.
Articles in addition to, and Amendment of the
Constitution of the United States of America, proposed by Congress
and Ratified by the Legislatures of the several States, pursuant
to the fifth Article of the original Constitution.
[Click bold links below for .wav files]
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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No person shall be held to answer for a capital,
or otherwise infamous crime, unless on 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
offence 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.
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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.
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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
reexamined in any Court of the United States, than according to
the rules of the common law.
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Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive
fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.
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The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain
rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained
by the people.
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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.
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