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

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,,...,,,o by the Convention Of 1879 80 and re
ti'is Ssl ane"me"'' by the o'"Sea''" o'
,srsoa Of Pehts made by he ReprsssntStsss Of III
@ peo: q 'rsina re ,rn ana Their ,oser;.,
'Fn,.1 t,s,. and foundation q goeernme"'.
nrun ARE hy nature equally Tree ana independent
iha' , IN nh,rnl tights oi whch "hen they enter
an" u, society. ihsS eau"", ny w ;.p1 s I ane
or dI'est 's ~, ms -. acquiring and possessing proper
ho'''y WV" and uaia!uns happiness una safety.
j. "su IN ur is vested in, and consequently oerlVec
,h. n.nuIr that magistrates a,e 'e'' usees "iu 81
- and M all times smetaoe 10 ''e'. ,
van Tn,I government is or ought 10 De nAuteo lot e
,, hrnef protection ana secu''f :" TUG eoP'e, r"'i'l
T'"" .i. 81, all the various modes ana 1orns VI gov
81 Ina, - best when is capable OF producing the
e,.rer OF happiness and safely, an" ~ nos ehec'u
M ,rned against the danger OF a'c
sH ,n,o uny government shall be touna inadequate oi
i'il M"' ,,.sr nurp,ses a majority of the community
h m indub!,abls unnienable and lnaeeasois nsht %
u:sr ur abolish it, ia such manner as shai' DC Judged
r conducive puec %sa. a.. ened TO exclusive o,
, ,msfk OF W.T. or privileges from the community, ou
,n.,.,r ,rn u public services which, not oelng de-
.nuinie. niher ought Inc elnces VI ''asis"a''' eS
,,,,- Ia bc hereditary. ;,
Tno, III. legislative executive and judicial powers should
and distinct and that the members Thereon may
strained from oppression, by feeling and participating
~ ,ns OF the people, They should al hxeo pef"os OF
.d 10 a private station return into that oooy ifoa
c they originally TAKEN and The vacancies oe sup
I'D BY m quent certain and regular elections IN ~hich all
sny PAT; The former members 10 be again enso!e Oh
,,,I r,,le the laws shall direct
rh, all elections ought 10 be Free and that all
sag sufficient evidence of permanent common interes
= and attachment TO- the community, have the right
syge cannot be taxed deprived OF their property
M punc uses without their cunsent or that OF he
ms,nt4rs elected. nor bound by any law TO which
y rot in like manner asscnted, Tor The public gouo
That all power vt suspending laws, or the execution U
as oy any authority without consent OF the representa-
:s OF The people, is injurious TO their rights and ought no
,,5s s,trciseu.
That in all capital or criminal prosecutions mar
ts,a right demand The and nature of his accuse
Inn 70 be confronted with the accusers and Witnesses
cal evidence in his favor and 10 speedy trial by an impair
N. uy .! Twelve of his vcinage, without whose unan
us consent cannot be found guiy can he be com
r! 10 give evidence against himself; that no man b,
ered OF his liberty except by the law OF the ano or h
pigment Of his peers.
Thu, excessive bail ought not to be required
sy- imposed cruel and unusual punishmens In
ac;ed
ID That general warrants whereby officer messen
m may be commended search suspected places without
ence OF fact committed or to seize any person or per
sons named whose offence IS not particularly oescIo-
q supported by evidence grevous and oppressive
.ud ought not to be granted.
H. Thar in Controversies respecting property, and In
.ts Us man and man, the ancient trial oy Jury ot
.se rcn is preferable any other and ought to be held
:.cTed.
r. That the freedom of the of the great bull
liberty and never be restrained OUT oy oespot-
governments.
l3 That well regulated militia composed of the body Of
z people, trained Is the proper, natural and safe
..lcnce u ice Sldtej StduuiuS IA
tece should be avoided dangerous liberty; and tina
all the military shoui be under strict subordinaor
~ and governed BY the civil power.
H. That the people have right 10 uniform government
sa therefore, that government separate rom or indepen
dent Of government Of Virginia, ought to be erected VI
established within the limits thereof.
Is That free government The blessing OF liberty
can be preserved my people, but bv firm adherence &c
scr deration temperance, ugsly and virtue, and BY
frequent recurrence 10 fundamental principles.
ID That lgiuu. The duty which We owe 10 our Crea
m and the manner Of dischargng It, be directed only
b. -e,-n conviction, by force violence; and
therefor. all equally entitled 10 the free exercise o
,,ln according 10 the dictates o conscience; and that il
i The mutual duty OF all practise christian iorbearance
lye ana Charity towards Zach other.