A Year of Blogging: December 15, 2011

December 15 was 'Bill of Rights' Day. On December 15, 1791 the first ten amendments to the United States Constitution were added. These ten amendments are known as the Bill of Rights. At one point in school, we had to memorize the Bill of Rights. I remember most of them, but I figure many of us need a refresher, so here you go: (note: I've put them into layman's terms). Amendment 1: Freedom of speech, press, and religion Amendment 2: The right to bear arms Amendment 3: Homeowners are not required to house soldiers except in times of war Amendment 4: Protection from unreasonable search and seizure Amendment 5: Rights to due process, protection against double jeopardy and self-incrimination Amendment 6: Right to a fair and speedy trial Amendment 7: Right to a trial by jury in civil cases Amendment 8: Protection from cruel and unusual punishment and excessive bail Amendment 9: The listing of rights in the Constitution is not comprehensive, individuals retain other rights not specified in the Constitution Amendment 10: States rights This is a very brief history lesson. If you want to learn more, today's a good day to study the Constitution a little more closely.