Daily Richmond Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1828-1831, 1830-01-21
BtIl Of RtDtts e GoMstttnttom
46c,stS bv me Conrs.sivn on 7xxvsdsy Js r. 1880.
BILL OF RIGHTS.


BILL OF RIGHTS.
A Deciarafiom IF Rights made by the Representatives.
oftse good People Of Tirginia, asseasbted IN fsn
and free Convention; which rights do pertain to
them, and their posseriiy, as he basis and fo'da-
[Unanimously adopted. June 18th, i7!sl
I. That oil men are by nature equally free anu
independent, aud have certain inherent rights, OF
which, when they enter into state OF society, tney
cannot by any compact, deprive or divest their pos
tcri,y; namely the enjoyment OF NE anu n0er.y'
and pursuing and obtaining happiness and safety.
g. That all power is vested IN, and consequently
derived from, the people; that Magistrates are their
trustees and servants, and ut all times amenablc to
them.
3. That government is, OF ought to be, instituted
for the common benefit, protection and security OF
the people, nation or cou,munity Of all the various
modes and forms Of government, that s best, which
Is capable OF producing the greatest degree OF nap.
pincss and safety, and is most efiectuallY secured
against the danger of NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. aad that
when any government shall be found inadequate or
contrary to these purposes, majority Of the commu-
nifty hath nindubable, unalcnnble, and indefeasble
right, REFORM alter, abolish it, in such manner
as shall be Judged most conducive to the public veal
4. That no man, set of men, entitled to ex-
elusive or separate emolumcnts or privileges from
the community, but in consideration OF public servi-
ces; which not being descendable, neither ough! the
offices of Magistrate, Legislator, or Judge, to be
hereditary.
S. That the Legislative and Executive powers OF
the State should be separate and distinct from the
Judicary and that the members OF the two first may
he restrained from oppression, by feeling and particle
patins the burthcrs of the people, they should, at
fixed periods be reduced to private station, return
into that hody from which they originally taken,
and the vacancies be supplied by frequent, certain,
and regular elections, in which ALL any part OF the
former members, to be again eligible. ineligible,
as the laws shall direct
tatives of the people, in Assembly ought to be free;
and that all men, having sufficient evidence of per-
manept common interest with, and attachment to,
the community, have the right of suffrage, and
not be taxed deprived of their property for public
USES without their consent, or that of their
representatives. SO elected, nor bound by any law to
which they have not, in like manner, assented, for
the public good
z. That all power Of suspendng laws or the cx-
ecution of laws by any authority without consent OF
the representatives of the people, injurious to their
rights, and ought not to be exercised.
8. That, in all capital or criminal prosecutions, q
man hath right to demand the cause and nature oil
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 vicnage
without whose unanimous consent, he cannot be
found guilty; can he be compelled to give evil
dence against himself that man be deprived OF
his liberty except By the law OF the land the Judg
ment of his peers.
0. That excessive bail ought not to be required
nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusua
punishment inflicted.
10. That general warrants whereby IN officer o.
messenger may be commanded to search suspected
places without evidence of fact committed, or ts
seize any person persons not named, or whose of
fence is not particularly described ard supported b,
evidence, arc grcvous and oppressive, and ought no
TO be granted.
II. That, in controversies respecting property
and in suits between man and n,-n the ancient tra
held sacred. ''' and ought TO b.
IL. That the freedom of the press is nm. r :.
great bulwarks ofhberty, and be rest rain
cd but by despoic governments.
13. That well regulated militia, composed o
the body of the people, trained to arms, is the pro
per, natural and safe defence of free State; tina
standing armies, in time of peace, should be avoided
as dangerous to liberty; and that il all cases. the
military should be under strict subordnation to- ant
governed by, the civil power.
IA That the people have right to uniform gov
crnmeD and therefore, that no government separate
from, independent of, The government of Tsrgin
ga, ought to be erected established within the lin
its thereof
Is. That 10 free government, the blessing o
liberty, can be preserved TO any people, but by O
firm adherence to justice, moderation, temperance
fIugaity and virtue, and by frequent recurrence t,
fundamental principles.
16. That religion, the duty which we owe {,
our Creator, aud the manner of dscharging it. cal
be directed only by and conviction, not b,
arcc or violence; and therefore all men are equall,
entitled to the free exercise Of religion, according 4
the dictates Of conscience; and that it is the mua
duty of all to practice Christian orbearancc love-
..hnr.t rIa H. 49,