Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1830-01-26

mond, this 18th day of January, 1880.
WIN. B GILES.
BILL OF RIGHTS.
a Declaration Of Rights made by the Representatives
fMc good People Of pirginia, assembled in full
gud free Convention; achtch rights do pertain To
them, and their posterity, as DE basis aad ,,ndd-
ton Of Government.
Unanimously adopted, June Iz,,,, I7ssl
l. That all men by nature equally free 1nd
independent, and have certain Inherent rights, of
which, when they into state of society. they
cannot. by any compact, deprive dvust their pos
terity; namely, the enjoyment of life and liberty,
With the means of acquiring snd possessing property,
and pursuing and obtaining happiness and safety.
2. That all power is vested in, and consequently
derived from, the people; that Magistrates their
ttustees and servants, and ut all times amcnable
them.
8. That government Is, or ought to be, instituted
f9f the common benefit, protection and security of
the people, nation community: of all the various
modes and FORMS of government, that rs best, which
IS capable of producing the greatest degree Of hap
pincss and safety, and is most effecuallY secured
asdinst the dunger of mal-amnist ration; and that
when any government shall be found Inadequate or
contrary to these PURPOSES majority of the con,,-
nifty hath indubitabc, unacnable aud indeeasible
right, to reform, ater abolish it. in such manner
us shall be Judged most conducive the public weu
d. That no man, set of men, are entitled TO ex-
elusive or separate emolunlens or privilenes from
the community, but in consideration of public sGrvi-
ces; which not being descendable, neither ought the
Offices OF Magistrate, Legislator, Judge, to be
hereditary.
8. That the Legislative and Executive powers Of
Tire State should be separate and distinct from the
Judiciary; and that the members of the two first may
he restrained from OPPRESSION by feeling and partci
pating the burthens of the people, they should at
fixed periods be reduced to private statiou return
INTO that hody from which they were originally ia ken
and the vacancies be supplied by frequent certain
and regular elections, which all or any part of the
ftr1ner members, to be again eligible. or ineligible
us the laws shall direct.
g. That elections of members to serve as represen-
tives of The people, in Assembly, ought to be free;
and that all men, having sufficient evidence of Der
n}anert common interest with, and attachment to,
the community, have the right of suffrage and can
not be taxed deprived of their property for public
uses, without their consent, that of their re-
representatives. SO elected, bound BY any law TO
which they have not, in like naIur.r assi,ntea f;r.
the public good
2. That all power of suspendiny laws, or the ea-
Gcnton OF laws, by any authority without consent of
Tie representatives fte people, is injurious to their
tights, and ought not to be exercised.
g. Phat, In Ill capital or criminal prosecutions a
man hath right to demand the cause and nature of
his accusation, to be confronted with the accusers
and witnesses, to call for evidence in his favor, and
TO speedy trial by an impartial jury of his vicinage
without whose unanimous consent, he cannot be
found guilty; can he be compelled to give evil
dence against hiuselE that man be deprived of
Ills liberty except by the law of the land or the Judo
snent of his peers.
0. That excessive bail ought not to be required
nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual
punishment inflicted.
messenger may be commanded to search suspected
places without evidence Of fact committed or TO
seize amy person or persons not named whose of
fence is not particularly described ard supported BY
Evidence, are grevous and oppressive, and ought not
to be granted.
~. That, in controversies respecting property,
and In suits between man and man. the ancient trial
by jury IS preferable to any other and ought to be
held sacreh.
Ia. That the freedom of the press is one of the
gyeat bulwarks ofhberty and never be restrain
ed but by despotic governments.
49, That well regulated militia composed of
the body OF the people, trained to arms, is the pro-
per, natural and safe defence of free State; that
standing armies in time of peace should be avoided
as dangerous to liberty; and that in all cases the
military should be under strict subod ination TO- ard
governed by, the civil power.
H. That the people have right to uniform roy
rtnmen and therefore, that government separate
tton, or Independent of, .he government of D'5rgin
n, ought to be erected established within the linn
rs thereof.
IL. That no ifee government, or the blessing Of.
liberty can be preserved to any people, but by a
firm adherence to justice, moderation temDerarce
fngalty, and virtue, and by frequent recurrence to
fundamental principles.
16. That religion, the duty which we oc-e to
Off Creator. aud the manner of discharrinr it. can
be directed only by reason and conviction. not Inv
ldrce'or violence; and therefore all men are ecuoIlv
entitled to the free of religion according to
the dictates of conscience; and that it is the mutual
duty Of all to practice Christian Performances love q
Charity towards each other.