Bill of Rights U.S. Constitution Day September 17, 2011

Amendment I  The first amendment addresses Congress, and basically states that Congress cannot make a law that affects the establishment of religion, restricts a person's right or the press's right to free speech, or restricts the right of people to gather together in a peaceful manner.

Amendment II  The second amendment gives people the right to own guns. 

Amendment III  Amendment III says that during times of peace soldiers cannot take up residence in someone else's house without that owner's permission.

Amendment IV  Amendment IV states that a person cannot be searched nor can his house or belongings be searched or taken nor can he be given a warrant without a good reason…in other words without there being some reason that these actions should occur, such as suspected illegal practices

Amendment V  This amendment addresses the prosecution of a person for a suspected crime. Basically, it states that the person must be indicted by a grand jury before he or she can stand trial. This essentially means that a jury of that person's peers reviews the evidence against that person and decides whether there is enough evidence to hold a trial to determine if the person is guilty of the alleged crime. This amendment also states that a person cannot be tried twice for the same trial, nor can he be forced to testify against himself, and he must be given due process of law.

Amendment VI  This amendment addresses the actual trial process. It basically states that a person should be given a speedy and public trial by a jury of his peers in the state and district where he committed the crime. He also should be told of the crime of which he is accused and be allowed to face the witnesses against him. He should also be allowed to gather witnesses in his defense.

Amendment VII  If the controversy is over an issue that is worth more than 20 dollars, the accused has the right to a trial by jury.

Amendment VIII  Amendment VIII states that excessive bail and/or fines shall not be ordered, and cruel and unusual punishments can't be imposed.

Amendment IX  This amendment basically states that the details of the rights outlined in the Constitution can't be interpreted in another way to deny others their rights.

Amendment X  Finally, the tenth amendment states that other laws that aren't governed or prohibited directly by the Constitution may be made by individual states.