Lesson 5; Bill of Rights
The Bill of Rights is the first ten amendments of the Constitution. It outlines clear
limitations of the states and federal government's powers regarding specific freedoms.
Law enforcement officers must know and understand the bill of rights, specifically the
first, second, fourth, fifth, sixth, eighth and tenth amendments. An officer must keep
these rights in mind when enforcing the law fairly to all individuals.
The First Amendment guarantees freedom of religion, speech and press.
The Second Amendment guarantees the right to bear arms.
The Fourth Amendment protects a suspect from illegal search and seizure. Probable
cause is required in order to obtain arrest or search warrants. The fourth amendment
states the officer must provide specific details of the place to be searched, as well as the
person or items that will be seized.
The Fifth Amendment protects against double jeopardy, being tried twice for the same
crime. It also provides the right against self incrimination and guarantees the right to
due process of the law.
The Sixth Amendment provides the right for a speedy public trial, the right to face your
accuser, the right to call witnesses and the right to counsel.
The Eighth Amendment protects against excessive bail and fines, as well as it protects a
suspect from cruel and unusual punishment.
The Tenth Amendment provides individual states to make and enforce laws not
regulated by the federal government. It provides state and local law enforcement
agencies with the authority to enforce laws enacted by the state government.
The Bill of Rights is the first ten amendments of the Constitution. It outlines clear
limitations of the states and federal government's powers regarding specific freedoms.
Law enforcement officers must know and understand the bill of rights, specifically the
first, second, fourth, fifth, sixth, eighth and tenth amendments. An officer must keep
these rights in mind when enforcing the law fairly to all individuals.
The First Amendment guarantees freedom of religion, speech and press.
The Second Amendment guarantees the right to bear arms.
The Fourth Amendment protects a suspect from illegal search and seizure. Probable
cause is required in order to obtain arrest or search warrants. The fourth amendment
states the officer must provide specific details of the place to be searched, as well as the
person or items that will be seized.
The Fifth Amendment protects against double jeopardy, being tried twice for the same
crime. It also provides the right against self incrimination and guarantees the right to
due process of the law.
The Sixth Amendment provides the right for a speedy public trial, the right to face your
accuser, the right to call witnesses and the right to counsel.
The Eighth Amendment protects against excessive bail and fines, as well as it protects a
suspect from cruel and unusual punishment.
The Tenth Amendment provides individual states to make and enforce laws not
regulated by the federal government. It provides state and local law enforcement
agencies with the authority to enforce laws enacted by the state government.
