Bill of Rights

AMENDMENT 5 - FREEDOM FOR LIFE, LIBERTY AND PROPERTY

Short Summary

Freedom for Life, Liberty and Property

Actual text 

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.

AMENDMENT 6 - CRIMINAL CASES AND RIGHTS OF ACCUSED PERSONS

Short Summary

Criminal cases and rights of accused persons

Actual text

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 defense.

AMENDMENT 7 - COMMON LAW AND TRIAL BY JURY IN CIVIL CASES

Short Summary

Common law and trial by jury in civil cases

Actual text 

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 re-examined in any Court of the United States, than according to the rules of the common law.

AMENDMENT 8 - BAIL, EXCESSIVE FINES, CRUEL AND UNUSUAL PUNISHMENT

Short Summary

Bail, excessive fines, cruel and unusual punishment

Actual text

Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.

A Summary of Landmark U.S. Supreme Court Cases about the Eighth Amendment

Goss v. Lopez (1975)

AMENDMENT 9 - OTHER RIGHTS OF THE PEOPLE

Short Summary

Other rights of the people

Actual text 

The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.