Bill of Rights Research | Carceral Collections

Ten doors into the record

Follow your question.

155 downloadable PDFs across the ten amendments. Each file pairs the original text with court decisions, analysis, and research sources you can read here or save.

Amendment I

Religion, speech & assembly

Explore religion, speech, the press, peaceful assembly, and petitions to government.

15 local PDFsOpen the research file Amendment II

The right to keep & bear arms

Read the text on keeping and bearing arms, then follow the official analysis of its meaning and limits.

15 local PDFsOpen the research file Amendment III

Soldiers & the home

Examine the rules on quartering soldiers in private homes during peace and war.

15 local PDFsOpen the research file Amendment IV

Searches, seizures & warrants

Follow the rules on unreasonable searches and seizures, probable cause, and warrants.

18 local PDFsOpen the research file Amendment V

Due process & the accused

Explore grand juries, double jeopardy, self-incrimination, due process, and compensation for property taken for public use.

15 local PDFsOpen the research file Amendment VI

Rights at a criminal trial

Trace the protections for people accused of crimes, from a speedy public trial to the assistance of counsel.

16 local PDFsOpen the research file Amendment VII

The civil jury

Explore jury trials in civil cases at common law and the rules on reexamining a jury's findings.

16 local PDFsOpen the research file Amendment VIII

Bail, fines & punishment

Examine the constitutional limits on bail, fines, and punishment.

15 local PDFsOpen the research file Amendment IX

Rights beyond the list

Read how the Constitution addresses rights retained by the people that are not specifically listed.

15 local PDFsOpen the research file Amendment X

Powers reserved

Explore the division of power between the federal government, the states, and the people.

15 local PDFsOpen the research file

Ten amendments.
Start with the words.