Bill of Rights
1st Ammendment
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
New York Times Co. v. Sullivan (1964) held that public officials cannot recover damages for defamation relating to their official conduct unless they prove actual malice.
Glik v. Cunniffe (2011) held that citizens have a First Amendment right to record police officers performing official duties in public.
Richmond Newspapers, Inc. v. Virginia (1980) recognized a presumptive First Amendment right of public access to criminal trials.
2nd Ammendment
A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.
District of Columbia v. Heller (2008) recognized an individual right to possess firearms for lawful purposes such as self-defense.
New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen (2022) required firearm regulations to align with historical tradition.
3rd Ammendment
No Soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the Owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law.
Engblom v. Carey (1982) applied Third Amendment protections to state action and National Guard members.
4th Ammendment
The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.
Terry v. Ohio (1968) established the reasonable suspicion standard for investigative stops.
Hiibel v. Sixth Judicial District Court (2004) allowed limited ID requirements during lawful stops.
Riley v. California (2014) required warrants for cell phone searches incident to arrest.
5th Ammendment
No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offence to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.
Miranda v. Arizona (1966) required warnings before custodial interrogation.
Garrity v. New Jersey (1967) barred use of coerced public employee statements.
6th Ammendment
In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed; to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor; and to have the Assistance of Counsel for his defence.
Gideon v. Wainwright (1963) required states to provide counsel to indigent defendants.
7th Ammendment
In Suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact tried by a jury shall be otherwise re-examined in any Court of the United States, than according to the rules of the common law.
Tull v. United States (1987) preserved jury trials for legal claims seeking civil penalties.
8th Ammendment
Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.
Timbs v. Indiana (2019) incorporated the Excessive Fines Clause against the states.
United States v. Bajakajian (1998) held forfeitures cannot be grossly disproportionate.
9th Ammendment
The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.
Griswold v. Connecticut (1965) recognized constitutionally protected unenumerated privacy rights.
10th Ammendment
The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.
Printz v. United States (1997) established the anti-commandeering doctrine.
New York v. United States (1992) prohibited Congress from compelling states to enact federal regulatory programs.