Daily Richmond Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1828-1831, 1830-01-19
BILL OF RIGHTS.

.9dpPfed oy "e Convention" ora 1hursday, J"h H. 1850
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BILL. OF RIGHTS
a Declaration Of Rights nude by the Representatives.
efhe good People Of Virginia, asscni6ied IN FIJI
and free Contention; tchich rights do pertain TO
them, and their posterity, as he basis and fanda-
fion Of Government.
Unanimously adopted Johe I2th, 1875
|. That all men by nature equally free and
Independent, aud have certain inherent rights, of
which, when they cnter into state of society," they
cdilno. by any compact, deprive diycst their pos
tcrity; namely, the enjoyment OF life and liberty,
with the means of acquiring and possessing property,
and pursuing and obtaining happiness and safety.
?. That all power is vested III, and conscque ntly
derived from, the peoples that Magistrates their
trustees and servants, and at all times umenublc to
them.
3. That government is, or Ought to b., instituted
for the common benefit, protection and security of
the people, nation community: of all lie various
modes and forms of government that is best, which
is capable OF producing the greatest degree OF hap
pncss and safety, and is most effectually secured
against the danger of NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS.; and that,
when any government shall be found inadequate or
contrary to these purposes majority OF the comuu-
nifty hath ndubtable, unalicnable and indefeasible
right, to reform, alter, abolish it, in such manner
shall be Judged most conducive to the public veal
J.. That man, set of men, entitled to eN-
elusive separate emoluments privileges from
the community, but in consideration Of public scrvi
cess which being dcscendable, neither ounh. the
Offices of Magistrate, Legislator, or Judge, to be
hereditary.
D. nat the lICn1SIatlNe anu EXECUTIVE powers OF
the State should be separate and distinct from the
Judiciary; and that the members of the two first may
be restrained from oppression, by feeling and parci
patng the burthens of the people, they should, at
fixed periods. be reduced TO private station, return
into that bod! from which they originally taken,
aud the vacancies be supplied by FREQUENT, certain,
and regular elections in which ali, any part of the
former members, to be again eligible. Ineligible,
the laws shall direct
6. That elections of members TO serve rcprcsen-
tatlves of the people, in Assembly, ought TO be iree
and that all meh, having sufficient evidence of per-
Innncrt 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 that of their re-
prcsehtatives so elected, uor bound by any law 20
which they have not in like manner, asscnted, for
the public good.
4. That all power Of siIspentng laws, or the OK
cGuton of laws, by any authority without consent OF
the representatives Of the people, injurious tlrcr
rights, and ought not To be exercised.
8. That, in all capital criminal prosecutions
man hath right to demand Inc 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 impartial Jury of his vcinage,
without whose unanimous consent, he cannot be
fo,ind guilty. can he be compelled to give evil
dcnce against HIMSELF that no man be deprived of
his liberty except by tho law Of the land the judg
nfent of his peers
o. 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 any person persons not named, whose Of
fepce is not particularly described ard supported by
evidence, are grevous aud oppressive and ought not
10 be granted
II. That, III controversies respecting property Y,
and in suits between man and man the ancirnt trial
by jury is preferable TO any other and ought 10 be
held sacred.
p. That the freedom of the press is one Of the
great bnlwarks of1berty and never be restrain
ed but by despotic governments.
10. That well regulated militia, composed of
the body of the people, trained to is the pro-
per, ural and safe defence of free State; that
standing armies, in time OF peace, should be avoided
dangerous to liberty; add that il all cases the
military should be under strict subordinaton to, and
governed by, the civil power.
Ii. That the people have a right TO uniform gov
ernmen'; and therefore, that government separate
from, or independent of, The government of Dirgin
ia, ought to be erected established within the linn
its thereof.
10. That no free government, or the blessing of
liberty, can be preserved TO any people, but by
firm adherence to justice, moderation temperance,
Iuga|ity, and virtue and by frequent recurrence to
fundamental principles.
OUR Creator and the manner of dscharging it, can
be directed only by reason and conviction not by
force or violence; and therefore all men are EQUALLY
eptled to the free exercise Of religion according to
the dictates Of conscience; and that is the mutual
duty of all TO practice Christian forbearancc love g.
charity towards each other.