PRINTER'S NO. 3484
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE RESOLUTION
No.
826
Session of
2020
INTRODUCED BY READSHAW, KORTZ, KENYATTA, MATZIE, BOBACK,
HENNESSEY, PICKETT, GREINER, BARRAR, FREEMAN, SCHLOSSBERG,
JAMES, KIM, HILL-EVANS, MURT, RYAN, SCHLEGEL CULVER, NEILSON,
STAATS, BURNS, MENTZER, COX, BROWN, SAYLOR, MILLARD, SAINATO,
DeLUCA, MADDEN, B. MILLER, EVERETT, MALAGARI AND YOUNGBLOOD,
MARCH 13, 2020
REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON STATE GOVERNMENT, MARCH 13, 2020
A RESOLUTION
Designating December 15, 2020, as "Bill of Rights Day" in
Pennsylvania.
WHEREAS, The first 10 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
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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 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.
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.
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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 designate
December 15, 2020, as "Bill of Rights Day" in Pennsylvania.
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