BillofRights


		In the Library Locate books on the U.S. Constitution at 342.73, 344.73 and 973.3. Locate books on the Bill of Rights at 342.73. Locate books on the First Amendment at 323.4, 342.73, 346.73 and 363.47. Locate books on the Second Amendment at 363.3 and 344.73. Locate books on American criminal law and procedure at 364.973 and 345.73. Here is a map of the Library to help you locate your research material. Online Databases Visit the Congressional Quarterly Researcher web site. Visit Proquest and Electric Library to learn about newsworthy constitutional issues and events. Influential People and Principles in Colonial America Influential Ideas, Documents and Events Magna Carta The English Bill of Rights Thomas Paine and *Common Sense* Overview of the U.S. Constitution Simplified Version of the U.S. Constitution Events Leading to the Ratification of the U.S. Constitution United States Constitution FAQ First Amendment 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. Principles of the First Amendment Chronology of the First Amendment Pledge of Allegiance Controversy The Free Speech Clause Subversive Speech Advocacy of Unlawful Conduct Freedom to Associate or Not Associate Regulation of Obscenity and Nudity Regulation of Indecent Speech (“Four Letter Words”) Restricting Public Speech Restricting Speech in a Designated Public Forum Restricting Speech in a Non-Public Forum Time, Place and Manner Restrictions on Speech The Establishment Clause and Religious Freedom Religion Defined According to Judge Adams, in Malnak v. Yogi (3rd Circuit), the following criteria can be used to make this determination: 1. A religion deals with issues of ultimate concern; with what makes life worth living; with basic attitudes toward fundamental problems of human existence. 2. A religion presents a comprehensive set of ideas -- usually as "truth," not just theory. 3. A religion generally has surface signs (such as clergy, observed holidays, and ritual) that can be analogized to well-recognized religions. Case Study on Religious Freedom Matthew Hale at Northwestern University Hale's World Church of the Creator (WCOTC) Is WCOTC a Religion? WCOTC Update Second Amendment 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. An Overview of the Right to Bear Arms Gun Rights vs. Gun Control Debate Gun Rights SAF.org Guncite.com Gun Control Supporters Gunfree.org The Brady Campaign Gun-Related News and State Laws Gun Control Debate in the News Jurist Legal Education Network Guide to Gun Laws Criminal Law and Procedure: Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, and Eighth Amendments Criminal Law and Procedure Lesson Plans 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. 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 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 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. 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 defense. Eighth Amendment Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted. Nolo Press Articles on Criminal Law and Procedure What Makes a Case a Criminal Case? How Are People Charged With Crimes? Defendants’ Rights Guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution Basics of Criminal Prosecution: Presumption of Innocence, Trial by Jury, Felonies vs. Misdemeanors and Convictions Anatomy of a Criminal Trial Common Defenses to Criminal Charges What Happens in Juvenile Court? Fourth Amendment Fourth Amendment: Search and Seizure Search and Seizure Update (2003) Crime Control vs. Protection of Due Process U.S. Supreme Court Cases on the Fourth Amendment Eighth Amendment The A.C.L.U. and the Death Penalty The Death Penalty and the Eighth Amendment