THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA

HOUSE RESOLUTION

INTRODUCED BY MAHER, DECEMBER 15, 2011

INTRODUCED AS NONCONTROVERSIAL RESOLUTION UNDER RULE 35, DECEMBER 15, 2011  

A RESOLUTION

Honoring the 220th birthday of the United States Constitutional

Bill of Rights on December 15, 2011.

WHEREAS, The first ten amendments to the Constitution of the

United States are collectively known as the Bill of Rights; and

WHEREAS, The Bill of Rights became effective as amendments to

the Constitution of the United States on December 15, 1791; and

WHEREAS, The Bill of Rights protects the rights of people and

limits the powers of government; and

WHEREAS, The Bill of Rights reads as follows:

1.  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.

2.  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.

3.  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.

4.  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.

5.  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.

6.  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.

7.  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.

8.  Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive

fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.

9.  The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain

rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others

retained by the people.

10.  The powers not delegated to the United States by the

Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are

reserved to the States respectively, or to the people;

and

WHEREAS, It is appropriate to honor the freedoms provided to

the people by the Bill of Rights; therefore be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives honor and

recognize the 220th birthday of the United States Constitutional

Bill of Rights on December 15, 2011.