Southern Argus. [volume] (Columbus, Miss.) 1834-1842, 1838-10-09

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That the general, great and essential princi-
nlas Of liberty and free Government may
fscoenized and established, we declare:
SEC. /. That al freemen, when they form
4 social compact, are equal in rights; and that
no man, or setof men, are entitled 70 excll-
siVe, separate public emolnments or privileges
from the community, but in consideration Of
public services.
SIC 3. That all political power is inher-
ent in the people, and all free governments are
founded on their authority and established tor
their benefit; and, therefore, they have at all
times an malienaDle and Indeteasible right 70
alter or abolish their form Of government IN
such manner as they may think expedlent,
SIC. 8. The exercise and enjoyment OF
religious profession and worship, without dis
examination. shall forever be free to all per-
sons in this State: Provided, That the right
bereby declared and established shall not be SO
construed as to excuse acts Of lcentiousness,
or Justify practices inconsistent with the peace
and safety of the State.
SEC. A. No preference shall ever be CIV
en- By law to any religious sect or mode Of
worship.
SEC. S. That no person shall be molested
for his opinion on any subject whatever, nor
suffer any civil or political incapacity, or ac-
quire any civil or political advantage in conse-
quence Of such opinions, exceptin cases pro-
vided for in this Constitution.
SEC 6. Every citizen may freely speak,
write, and publish his sentiments on all SUBJ
iects, being responsible for the abuse Of that
liberty.
SEC. Z. No law shall ever be passed tc
curtal or restrain the liberty of speech or o.
the press.
SIC. 8. In all prosecutions or indictments
for libel, the truth may be given in evidence
and if it shall appear to the jury, that the mat
ter charged as hbellous is true, and was pub
hshed with good motives and for justifable
ends, the party shall be acquitted; and the
jury shall have the right to determine the law
and the facts.
SEC. 8. That the people shall be secure
in their persons, houses, papers, and posses
sions," from unreasonable seizures and search
es anG that no warrant to search any place,
or to seize any person or things, shall issue
without describing the place to be searched,
and the person or thing to be seized, as near
as may be, nor without probable cause,
supported by oath or affirmation.
SEC 10. That in all criminal prosecutions,
the accused hath right to be heard, by him
Sell CDuLlS6ly vi BOLLl " uGllldl4u Tic lid
ture ard cause Of the accusatlon 10 be con-
fronted by the witnesses against him; to have
a compulsory process for obtaining witnesses
in his favor and in all prosecutions by indict-
ment or informations, speedy and public trial
by an impartial jury of the county where the
offence was committed that he cannot be
compelled to give evidence against himself
nor can he be deprived of his life; liberty, or
property, but by due course of law.
SEC. IL. No person shall be accused, ar
rested or detained, except in cases ascertained
by law, and according to the form which the
same has prescribed and no person shall file
punished, but in virtue of a law established and
promulgated prior to the offence, and legally
applied.
SEC. II. That no person shall, for any in
dictable offence, be proceeded against GRIMM
ally by information, except in cases arising lin
the land or naval forces, or the militia, when
IN actual service, or by leave of the court, for
misdemeanor in office.
SEC. I3. No person shall, for the same Of
fence be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb,
nor shall any persons property be taken or
applied to public use without the consent of
the Legislature, and without just compensation
being first made therefor.
SEC. IA. That all courts shall be open, and
every person for an injury done him in his
lands, goods, person or reputation, shall have
remedy by due course of law, and right and
justice administered without sale, denial or de-
lay.
SEC. Is. That no power of suspending
laws shall be exercised, except by the Legs
latTe, or its authority
SEC. l6. That excessive bail shall not be
required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cru
el punishments inflicted.
SEC. IL. That all prisoners shall before
conviction, be bailabe by sufficient securities,
except for capital offences, where the proof is
evident, or the presumption great and the
privilege of the writ Of habeaS corpus shall not
be suspended, unless when in case of rebel
hon or invasion, the public safety may require
It,
SEC. Is. That the person of a debtor
when there is not strong presumption fraud
shall not be detained in prison, after delivering
mp his estate for the benefit of his creditors
IN such manner as shall be prescribed by
law.
SEc. 10. No conviction for any offence
shall work corruption of blood or forfeiture o
estate; the Legislature shall pass no bill 0
Attamder, er post facto law, nor law impairing
the obligation OF contracts.
SEC 20. Noproperty qualification for eli
glbllty to office or for the right Of suffrage
shall ever be required by law in this State.
SEC. p Thatthe citizens have right j
a Peaceable manner, to assemble together te
their common good, and to apply TO those vesi
ca with the powers of government, for II
dress Of grievances or other proper purpose
bypetiton, address, or remonstrance.
Oh 49,, ,,@
arms N defence of himself and of the Stat
Sec. "a. No standing army shall be keI
lip without the consent of the Legislature
and the military shall, in all cases, and at a
times be in strict subordination to the civ
power.
SEC. 25. That no soldier shall, in time
peace, be quartered IN any house, without Il
consent Of the owner, or IN time of war, b.
N manner to be prescribed BY law.
SEC rs. Thatno hereditary ennolument
privileges or hon0fs shall ever be granted
conferred in this State.
SIC. ~. Emigration from this State shs
not be prohibited, nor shall any free white cit
zen Of this State ever be exiled, under any pr
tence whatever,
SEC. %: Theright Of trial by jury shs
remain inviolate.
SEC %. No person shall be debarre
rom prosecuting or defending any civil cauc
lor d against him on herself, before any tribl
nal n this State, BY him or HERSELF OF coul
Gel, q both.
SIC. 30. No person shall ever be appoin
ca o. elected to any Office in this State for Ii
q during good behaviour; but the tenure
all otlces shall be for some limited period
line, 4 the person appointed or elected Their,
" saah 30 long behave well.
IoNcLUsIoN.--, guard against tfansgre