Bill of Rights

BILL OF RIGHTS/4TH, 5TH, 6TH, AND 8TH AMENDMENTS

AMERICAN INTERCONTINENTAL UNIVERSITY

INTRODUCTION TO THE AMERICAN COURT SYSTEM/INV. #1

BY MICHELLE SUMMERS

March 28, 2014

The part of the constitution that is in place to protect us, is the portion called the “Bill of Rights.” The 4th, 5th, 6th, and 8th amendment of the constitution are considered the bill of rights and were added after the Constitution was written and put into law. They placed these so that people weren’t being treated wrongly, not matter what they were charged with.

The Fourth Amendment was made to protect the right of people so that they could be secure in their person, house, paper, and effects against unreasonable search and seizure. This means that if you are arrested, law enforcement cannot legally search or seize your property without a proper warrant.

The Fifth Amendment was made to protect against abuse of government authority. Also protects against self-incrimination and double jeopardy. This means that when you are arrested the Miranda rights must be read to you and you do not have to tell the police anything without a lawyer present and protect you from giving the wrong information. This also protects from double jeopardy, meaning that you are tried for a crime and found innocent; they cannot come after you on the same charges.

The Sixth Amendment gives the accused a right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury. Is in place so that the accused knows the nature and cause of the accusation choose of witnesses for their case, the witnesses chosen to testify against them, and the right of counsel.

The Eighth Amendment protects against an excessive bail being placed against you. Also protects against cruel and unusual punishment. This means that you cannot be subjected to excessive violence, high bail, or horrible conditions in prison.

The Eighth Amendment prohibits cruel and unusual punishment against anyone. It also gives states the right to pursue their...