Clarke courier. [volume] (Berryville, Va.) 1869-1997, 1902-03-26


manner, sssented, for the public good.
Z. That all power Of suspending laws,
or the execution of laws, by any author
ity, without consent of the representa-
tives of the people. is injurious to their
rights, and ought not TO be exercised.
8. That in all cap tai or criminal
prosecutions a man hath g right to
demand the cause and nature of his
accusation, 10 be confronted with the
accusers and witnesses, to call for EVIL
dence in his favor, and TO q speedy trial
by an impartial jury of his vicinage,
without whose unanimous consent he
cannot be found guilty; nor can he be
compelled to give evidence against him
self; that no man be deprived of his life
or liberty except by the law of the land,
or the judgment of his peers; nor shall
any man be twice put in jeopardy for
the same offence, except that an appeal
may be allowed TO the Commonwealth
in all cases for the violation of law
relating TO the State revenue.
In any criminal case, upon a plea of
guilty, rendered in person by the accused,
and with the consent of the attorney
for the Commonwealth, entered TO
record, the court shall, and in a prosecu-
ton for an offence not punishable by
death or confinement in the peniten-
tisry, upon a plea of not guilty, with
consent of the accused, rendered in per-
son, and the attorney for the Common
wealth, entered of record. the court, in
the case without the Intervention of =
jury.
The General Assembly may, by law,
provide for the trial of offences not
punishable by death or confinement in
the penitentiary, by justice of the
peace, without q jury; but in all such
cases the right of the accused to an
appeal and trial by jury in the appellate
court shall be preserved. And the
General Assembly may also provide, by
law, for juries consisting of less than
twelve, but not less than FIVE men, for
the trial of offences not punishable by
death or confinement in the peniten-
tiary, and may classify such cases and
prescribe the number Of jurors for each
class Of cases.
8. That excessive bail ought not TO be
required, nor excessive fines imposed,
nor cruel and unusual punishments
inflicted.
10. That general warrants, whereby
an officer or messenger may be com
handed to search suspected places with
out evidence of fact committed, or 10
seize any person or persons not named,
or whose offence is not particularly
described and supported by evidence are
greviOus and oppressive, and ought not
TO be granted.
IL. No person shall be deprived OF
his property without due process of law.
In controversies respecting property
and in suits between man and man, a
trial by jury is preferable TO any other
and ought 10 be held sacred; but the
General Assembly may, by law, in sucI
cases, prescribe any number less than
twelve, but no less than seven, TO con
stitute jur-, for the trial of all civil
cases not now triable before Justice OF
the peace, and any number not less than
five for the trial of civil cases now
triable by justice of the peace, whether
such cases are brought into the courts
by original process, or by appeal OF
removal from a justice.
| 10. That the freedom of the press 1.
one of the great bulwarks of liberty
and can never be restrained but b,
despotic governments, and any either
may speak, write and publish his senti
ments on all subjects, being responsible,
for the abuse of that liberty.
ID. That well regulated militia, com
posed of the body of the people, traine,
TO arms, is the proper, natural and SAT
defence of free State; that standing
armies, in time of peace, should b
avoided as dangerous to liberty; an,
that in all cases the military should b
under strict subordination to, and gov
erned by, the civil power.
IA. That the people have a right {;
uniform governments: and, therefore
that no government separate from, O
independent of, the government O
Virginia, ought to be erected or estat
lished within the limits thereof
Is. That no free government, or tn
blessing of liberty, can be preserved t
any people. but by firm adherence I
justice, moderation, temperance, fruga
ity and virtue, and by frequent recul
renee to fundamental principles.
Is. That religion, or the duty whic
we owe to our Creator, and the name
of discharging it, can be directed onl
by reason and conviction, not by fore
or violence; and. therefore, ali men ar
equally entitled to the free exercise @
religion, according to the dictates Q
conscience; and that 1t is the mutua
duty of all to practice Christian fol
bearance, love and charity towards eac
other.
II. That neither slavery nor involun
tary servitude, except as lawful impris
onment may constitute such, shall exis
| within this State