Southern Argus. [volume] (Columbus, Miss.) 1834-1842, 1838-10-02
r0NSTITnTI0N
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Asr,srr I. DEcIARATIoN or RIGHIs.
That IBs general, great and essential prinei-
Bles Of liberty and nee 5oyernIpent llla4
5l.f ereco0nized and established, we declare:
sFc. ]. That all freemeu, when they iofm
. social compact, are equal in rights; and That
no man, or set Of men, are enltiel 70 e4ciu-
ave, separate public emoluments or privileges
fTot6 tbs community, but in consideration Of
Sro' >. That all political power is inher-
emf N the people, and an free governments are
fo.w5eS Al their authority and established for
their benefit; and, therefore, they have at all
tirDes an unalienaDle and indeieasible right TO
alfer or abolish their form of government IN
such manner as they may Ahink expedient.
SEC. 3. The exercise and enjoyment OF
religious profession and worship, without dis
termination, shall forever be free to all per-
SONS m this State: PrOUided, That the right
hereby declared and established shall not be so
construed as to excuse acts Of licentiousness,
or iustifv 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.
SIC. 5. That no person shall be molested
for his opinion on any subject whatever, nor
suffer any civil or political inCapacity, or ac-
ouire any civil or political advantage ia coRse-
Guence Of such opinions, exceptm cases pro-
yided for in this Constitution.
SEC. 6. Every citizen may freely speak,
write, and publish his sentiments ON all sub
jects, being responsible for the abuse Of that
liberty.
SEC. 7. No law shall ever be passed to
curtal or restrain the liberty Of speech or Of
the press.
SIC. 8. In all prosecutions or indictments
for libel, the truth may be gwen in evidence ;
and if it shall appear to the jury, that the mat
ter charged as libellous is true, and was pub
lished 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 possess
sions,' from unreasonable seizures and search
es; anG that no warrant to search any place,
or to seize any person. OF things, shall issue
without describing the place to be searched,
and the person or thing to be seized, as near
Y 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.
self or counsel, or both to demand the ma
ture ard cause of the accusation; to be con-
fronted by the witnesses against him to have
compulsory process for obtaining witnesses
in his favor; and in all prosecutions by indict-
ment or informations, a 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. III. 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 in
the land or naval forces, or the militia, when
in actual service, or by leave of the court, for
msdemeanor in Office.
SEC. ID. 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. 10. That no power of suspending
laws shall be exercised, except by the Legis-
lature, or its authority.
SEC. is. That excessive bail shall not be
required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cru
ell punishments inflicted.
Sec. IL. That all prisoners shall before
conviction, be bailable by sufficient securities
except for capital offences, where the proof j
evident, or the presumption great; and tn
privilege of the writ Of habeas corpus shall nc
be suspended, unless when in case Of rebe
lion or invasion, the public safety may requir
it.
SEC. Is. That the person Of debto
when there is not strong presumption OF trau
shall not be detained in prison, after delIverlr
up his estate for the benefit of his creditor
in such manner as shall be prescribed
law.
SEC. 10. No conviction for any ofenc
shall work corruption Of blood or forfeiture
estate: the Legislature shall pass no bill
attainder, &c posi- (actO law, nor law lmpairn
the obligation OF contracts.
SEQ 20. Improperly qualification for G
gibiity to Office OF for the right of suffras
shall ever be required bylaw IN this State.
SEC. D. Thatthe citizens have right
a peaceable manner, to assemble together
their common good, and to apply TO those We
ed with the powers of government, for
dress Of grievances or other proper purpos
bypetition, address, or remonstrance.
SEC. %. Every citizen has right to b
arms IN defence Of himself and of the Sta
SEc. "a No standing army shall be kt
Ap without the consent of the Legislator
and the military shall, in all cases, and at
times, be N strict subordination to the q
power.
SEC %. That no soldier shall, in time
peace, be quartered m any hsuse, without
consent Of the owner, Or iatime Of war,
IN manner to be prescribed BY law. ~.
SEC %. Thatn hereditary emolumer
privileges or hOnOTs shall ever be granted
conferred in this State.
SIC. N, Emigration from this State 81
not be prohibited, nor shall any free white G
'zeno this State ever be exiled, under any p
tence whatever.
SEC. %. The right of,trial BY jury 81
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
SEC. %. No person shall be debar1
from prosecuting or defending any civil car
for or against him or herself before any tril
nal in this State. BY him OF herself or col
sci, or both.
oRo. 50. No person shall ever be appoi
"a o. elected to any Office in this State for
or during good behaviour; but the tenure
an oflees shall be fox some limited period
time, II the person appointed OF elected the
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