The Bill of Rights, Decoded
The first ten amendments — the promises the government made to the people — in plain English.
This is legal information and a self-help tool, not legal advice. It was not prepared by an attorney. Laws change and every situation is different — talk to a licensed attorney before you act on anything here.
Free speech, press, religion, assembly, petition
You can speak, worship, gather peacefully, publish, and ask the government to fix things.
Right to bear arms
The right to keep and bear arms.
No quartering of soldiers
The government cannot force you to house soldiers.
No illegal search and seizure
Police generally need a warrant, signed by a judge, to search you or your home.
Due process, no self-incrimination, no double jeopardy
You do not have to testify against yourself, cannot be tried twice for the same crime, and get fair process.
Speedy trial, jury, counsel
You have the right to a fast, public trial, an impartial jury, and a lawyer.
Jury trial in civil cases
The right to a jury in many civil disputes.
No excessive bail or cruel punishment
Bail and fines cannot be excessive, and punishment cannot be cruel and unusual.
Other rights retained
Just because a right is not listed does not mean you do not have it.
Powers reserved to states and people
Powers not given to the federal government belong to the states and the people.
Educational summary of the U.S. Bill of Rights (ratified 1791).