Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1851-08-15
VIRGINIA BILL OF RIGHTS

,, h alteration hy Convention oil io.9- 'v anu IT,
>f adopted with amendments by the C'hEeh'''"0 ;,
A Declaration Of Rights made 1y me n T and free Con-
oooI neople of Virginia, asscmotca !" Ja'' IL Az -
1an frhil righls do pertain to them ana hsr P0Sera'S
as the basis and foundation Of go7erf'meN'
That all men arc by nature equally iree anu I w M
cer,pin inherent rights of which, when hey enle
, s,o of society they cannot, by any compact deprive
~ dves their pos,erity; naney the enjoy ment OF NE do
hsr,v with the means of acquiring and possessing Plope
>" md pursuiny and obtaining happiness and safety.
That all power is vested in and consequently 49,
from the people that magistrates are tie
Th. Government is or ought 10 be instituted for the
common benefit protection and security OF the people,
mr. community: of all the various modes ana lors s
, ,hni ia hest which is capable Of producing the
greatest degree OF happiness and safely an" 70 d
nllv secured agains; the danger OF ma-auu,iisa w
Ih.t when any government shall be found inadequate oi
r,ru - ,bese purposes majority of the community
hath an indubable unalienabie and indeeaso'e isni
reform, alter or abolish IL 10 SUCH iiunN'' 90 1 -
most conducive to the public veal. 80, . ,.;,o >,
That no man. or Of are entitled 70 exclusive ..
separate emouments privileges from me community, W.
in consideration of public services, which, no. peHs ae
scandbe neither ought the offices OF magistrate Legislator
or Judge to be hereditary. -. IS, II
h. separate and distinct that the members thereo may
he restrained from oppression, by feeling ana
the bur,ens people, they should al hXeo Peoas oe
r.J,ced m n private station return into hat ooay from
hch thew were originally taken and the vacancies be sup
piled by frequent, certain and regular eGcos III ,
or any part of the former members 10 oe asa ens'' "
ineligible, as the laws shall direct
having sufficient evidence OF permanent common interest,"
with and attachment to- the community, nave VI
suffrage and cannot be taxed deprived of their property
for public uses without their own consent or hat OF ie
representatives elected nor bound oy any law 70
they have not like manner aSSented, lot the puoc soou
That all power Of suspending laws or the execution VI
laws by any authority without consent OF the
ves of the people, is injurious to their fgh's anu ous
to be exercised. 49,.
g. That in all capital criminal prosecutions man
hath right to demand the cause and nature OF ms aecusa
ZION 10 be confronted with the accusers anu Witnesses W
% sydenc. in his and speedy trial by an Impair
m ry of Twelve of his vicinage without whose nan-
mous consent be found guilty. nor can ne DC
IId 10 give evidence against HIMSELF that man De
deprived Of his liberty except by the law OF the ahu VI e
Judgment OF his peers - .
sye fines imposed cruel and unusual puulsnments In
ficted.
no. That general warrants whereby officer or messen-
ger may be commanded search suspected places without
evidence of fact committed seize any person or per
sons not named whose offence not particularly oesco-
ed supported by evidence are SrleVouS anu
and ought to be granted.
H. That, in controversies respecting property and in
suits man and man. the ancient trial by jury OF
twelve men is preferable any other and ought to be held
sacred. H.,
of liberty be restrained out oy oeSpo
ic governments. r.
the people, trained arms, is the proper naurai ana sale
defence fee State; that standing armies IN une OF
peace should be avoided dangerous 10 liberty ana 'a
all the military should be under sct suooFananon
10 and governed by the civil power.
a. That the people have right 10 uniform government
and therefore, that government separate irot or naePen
dent Of the government of Virginia. ought 10 De erected VI
established within the limits thereof. 49,
To- That no free government the blessing of liberty,
can be preserved any people, but BY firm adherence TO
Justice, moderation, temperance usaEy ana ftue ana o
a frequent recurrence fundamental principles.
IT, That religion, the duty which we owe 10 our Crea'
tor and the of cscharsng IT, can be oIecteu only
by and conviction by force or vloence and
therefore all equally entitled TO the free exercise OF
religion according 10 the dictates of c"nscence and ihat IL
the mutual duty of all TO practise christian iorbearahce
lave nd towards