Daily Richmond Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1828-1831, 1830-01-25
BILL OF RIGHTS.

BILL OF RIGHTS.
a Declaration Of Rights made by The Representatives.
Of The good People Of pTctna, assembled in fuit
and free Convention; trhict rights do pertain 10
them and their poseyity, as ne basis and fou'iag-
Unanimously adopted June Ilth i77sI
l. That all men by nature equally free and
Independent, and have cert"in inherent rights, OF
which when they enter into state of society, they
cannot. by any compact, deprive divest their pos
tcr'y; namely, the enjoyment of life and liberty,
with the of acquiring snd possessing property,
and pursuing aud obtaining happiness and safety
,. That ali power is vested IN. aud conscque ntly
derived from, the people; that Magistrates Their
trustees and servants and at all times apcnable TO
them.
}. That government IS, ought to he, Instituted
for the common benefit, protection and security of
the people, nation community of all ihe various
modes and forms of government, that Is best, which
is capable of producing The greatest degree OF hap
piness and safety, and cff;'ctuaily secured
against the danger of maiatministratio1; and that
when any government shall be found inadequate or
contrary to these purposes minority of thc COMMIT
nifty hath indubiiabc, unacna5le, and ineeosible
right to reform, alter, abolish it, in such
as shall be Judged most conducive TO the public well
4. That no man, set of men, arc entitled TO cX
elusive or separate emoluments or privileges from
the community, but in consideration of public scrvi
ces; which not being desccndabe, neither oug.. the
Offices of Magistrate, Legislator, or Judge, to be
hereditary.
5. That the Legislative and Executive powers OF
the State should be separate and distinct from the
Judiciary and that the msmbcrs of the two first may
be restrained from oppression, by feeling and pnrici
pating the burthehs of the people, they should, Il;
fixed periods be reduced To private station
into that bod, from which they were originally taken,
and the vacancies be supplied by frequent, ccrtain
and regular elections, in which ali, any part OF the
former members, to be again eligible. Ineligible.
as the laws shall direct.
6. That elections of members TO serve as represen-
tatyes Of the people, in Assembly, ought to be free
and that all men, having sufficient evidence of per-
nlanent common interest with, and attachment TO,
the community, have the right Of suffrage and cam
not be taxed deprived of their property for public
uses without their own consent, tha; of their re-
representatives. elected, nor bound b. any law to
which they have not, IN Ike manner, assented, for
the public good.
T. That all power OF snsperding laws, or the cx-
ecution flaws, by any authority without consent Of
the representatives ofthe people, is injurious to their
rights, and ought not to be exercised.
g. That, in ali capital or criminal prosecutions, u
man hath right to demand The ana nature OF
his accusation, to be confronted with the accuser-
and Witnesses call for evidence in his favor aud
to speedy trial by an impartial Jury of his vicinagc.
without whose unanimous consent, he cannot be
found guilty; can he be compelled to give evil
dsnce against himself that man be deprived Of
his liberty except by the law OF the land, the ludg
ment Of his peers.
0. That excessive bail ought not 20 be required,
nor excessive fines imposed, cruel and unusual
punishment inflicted.
TO- That general warrants, whereby an officer or
messenger may be commanded to search suspected
places without evidence OF fact committed, or TO
seize any person persons not named, whose of
fence is not particularly described ard supported b.
evidence gricvous-and oppressive, and ought not
10 bcgranted.
II. That, IL controversies respecting property.
and in suits between and man, the ancient trial
by jury Is preferable to any other and ought 10 be
held sacred
-. That the freedom of the press is onc Of the
great bulwaks ofliberty, and be restrain
cd but by despoic governments.
10. That well regulated militia, composed Of
the body of the people, trained to arms is tic pro-
per, natural and safe defence of free Sntc; that
standing armies, in time of peace, should be avoided
dangerous 10 liberty; and that III all cases the
military should be under strict subordination to- ind
governed by, the civil power.
IA. That the people have right TO uniform gov
ernmeBi; and therefore, that government separate
from, Independent OF, lie government If PJycin
ia, ought to he erected established within tire I'm
its thereof
10. That no free government, The blessing of
liberty, can be preserved to any neope, bat b.
firm adherence to justice. moderation, prrapce.
fugaIity, and virtue and by frequent recurieac. 10
fundamental principles
l6. That Tcli zion. the duty which Ne owe 10
our Creator, ayi tic manner of dschaTgng j.. can
be directed only by reason aud conviction. not by
fOscn or violence; add therefore all are equally
entitled TO the free exercise Of religion, according
the dictates Of conscience; ard that j. tic mutual
duty Of all TO practice Christian fJrJeaIancc love. g.
charity towards each ntb.r.