Lest We Forget

As Americans we have been given these rights
As a gift necessary to maintain our constitutional republic

The first amendment Freedom of religion, speech and of the press
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.

The second amendment The right to bear arms
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.

The third amendment The housing of soldiers
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.

The fourth amendment The protection from unreasonable searches and seizures
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 that or affirmation,
And particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things be seized.

The fifth amendment The protection of rights to life, liberty, and property
No person shall be held to answer for a capital or otherwise infamous crime,
A crime that is punishable by death or imprisonment, unless on a presentment or indictment.
A formal, written charge of criminal misconduct, presented to a court of law by a grand jury,
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 offense,
To be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb,
Nor shall be compelled against himself,
Nor shall be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law,
Carried out according to the established law of the land,
Nor shall private property be taken for public use without just compensation.

The sixth amendment Rights of accused persons in criminal cases
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 their defense