THE UNITED STATES BILL OF RIGHTS

The Bill of Rights of the United States Constitution comprises the first ten amendments. Of those ten, the following amendments deal particularly with the rights of accused citizens.

THE FOURTH AMENDMENT

     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 or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.

THE FIFTH AMENDMENT

     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 of 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.

THE SIXTH AMENDMENT

     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 defence.

THE EIGHTH AMENDMENT

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

These important, fundamental American rights have been, and continue to be, defined and refined by the Federal Courts. Understanding the scope and extent of these rights requires a detailed consideration of case law, and enforcing them requires the proper application of Rules of Procedure and the Rules of Evidence.