Seventh Amendment

Rights in civil cases

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.

What does this mean??

The seventh amendment guarantees trials in cases that could deprive life, liberty and property.

Why this picture?

This picture is joking about how people hate having to do jury duty even though we need juries.

Sixth Amendment

Right to a fair trial

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.

What does this mean??

The sixth has eight parts to the amendment. 1. A right to a speedy trial 2. all trials must be public with the defendant aware of their charges 3. the witness for the prosecution be in pubic 4. Defendant can produce a witness 5. the defendant has the right  to secure counsel (if someone doesn't have money they will be provided with a public defendant) 6. The jury must consists of peers 7. The jury is to be unbiased 8. Speedy trails must take place within reasonable amount of time after indightment

Why this picture?

Since the sixth amendment states that everyone is in tilted to an attorney of law this cartoon is saying that you don't have to be your own attorney. Even if you don't have the money the state will provide you with counsel.



Fifth Amendment

Rights in criminal cases

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.

What does this mean??

The fifth amendment protects people from possible government abuse. This is also what in forces our "innocent till proven guilty" policy. This amendment also give people the right to not say anything that may self incriminate themselves.

Why this picture?

This picture shows someone on trial who is "pleading the fifth" so they don't have to get on the stand and say something that may hurt their case.  

Fourth Amendment

Search and arrest

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.

What does this mean??

This amendment is saying that no person, home, car or possession shall be searched without a reasonable suspicion. And with that suspicion they must get a warrant.

Why this picture?

This picture is mocking the fourth amendment by saying that "yeah, whatever, we don't really need a warrant...".  When in reality, thanks to the fourth amendment, you cannot be searched without first reasonable suspicion and secondly a warrant. 

Third Amendment

Quartering 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.

What does this mean??

This is saying that no one can be forced to house a soldier in their home.

Why this picture?

Though this picture is hookie it does accurately depict the third amendment. That you can say, "No" to housing soldiers.

Second Amendment

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.

What does this mean??

This amendment gives citizens the right be carry a weapon

Why this video?
This silly Simpsons clip is showing the possible down side of allowing people to carry a gun. Homer is trying to but a gun and after the cashier tells him he must wait till he has passed a background check Homer says, "but I'm mad now!" I guess this could be saying that it is a good thing there is a wait period, but whats going to happen next time he, or someone else, is mad?

First Amendment

Freedoms, Petitions, Assembly

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.

What does this mean??

The first amendment is what gives us our freedom to practice what ever religion we choose as well as freedom to say what we wish. It also gives us the freedom to print whatever in our media.

What does this coexist picture mean?

This picture captures the meaning of first amendment. Each letter represents a different religion or belief and that we should all live together peacefully. If it weren't fro the first amendment we would not be able to choose what we believe, but luckily we can.