Bill of Rights

CENTRAL TEXAS COLLEGE

United States Bill of Rights

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Fundamentals of Criminal Law CJSA 1327

Week 1 Essay #3

Not too long ago our nation was young, new, and in need of structure and in need of a government. To solve this issue, the United States Constitution was drafted and implemented across the territories. After the constitution was created, there was immediate pressure from anti-federalists who opposed constitutional ratification. This then gave birth to the Bill of Rights, which was to set limits on the government’s actions in regard to personal liberties.

The Bill of rights is a collective name for the first 10 amendments to the United States Constitution. It was introduced by James Madison before the 1st United States Congress and then proposed to congress in September 25, 1789. The amendments were ratified on December 15, 1791 by congress. There originally were twelve amendments proposed, but only ten amendments made the final cut. Over time, amendments had been added totaling twenty-seven.

The 10 amendments guaranteed a list of personal freedoms, reserving some powers to the states and public. They also put a limit to the government’s power in judicial and any other proceedings. The 10 original amendments are (1st) Freedom of speech, religion, and right to petition, (2nd) Right to bear arms, (3rd) Protection against quartering troops, (4th) Protection against unreasonable search and seizure, (5th) Rights in criminal cases, (6th) Right to a fair trial, (7th) Rights in civil cases, (8th) Bail, fines, and punishments, (9th) Rights retained by the people, and (10th) states’ rights.

The basis and foundation of our criminal justice system are these 10 amendments. They keep structure and order in any State or federal proceedings regardless of the crime or violent act that has occurred. They give the people rights and protect the innocent in any legal situation and protect...