Crime

Individual Rights

So long as they respect the rights of others, U.S. citizens are given certain personal freedoms at birth. These rights are common to every person and are not considered as being created by any government agency. To the contrary, supporters of Individual Rights believe that it is the duty of the government to protect and defend those rights, and that if at any time the people of a country feel they are not properly protected or governed, they have an incontestable right to make any necessary changes and reforms to the government.

The Bill of Rights

The Constitution of the United States lists all the rights that each individual can expect. They include the first ten amendments which were first introduced in 1789 by James Madison. Each of the amendments was created to protect the individual rights of every citizen and to limit the power that is held by the Federal Government. This document provides for a variety of important individual rights.

In the First Amendment, personal rights such as freedom of speech and religion are granted. It states that the government shall not take control of or attempt to encourage any citizen to follow a particular religion. Individuals are also given the right to assemble together as long as it is done peacefully, and to air any grievances they may have to the government.

Amendment Four proclaims that individuals are not to be subjected to any form of unlawful search and seizure. This includes anything in their home or on their person, as well as any other personal items.

The Fifth Amendment grants rights to individuals who are being tried in a court of law. It states that no person may be put on trial twice for the same crime or forced to testify against himself. Furthermore, an individual who has charges brought against them has the right to Due Process; they cannot have any freedoms or property taken from them until they are granted a fair trial. The Sixth Amendment promises a quick trial that is held in public and overseen by a fair jury.

Loss of Rights

Just as each person has their own rights, they must also respect and acknowledge the rights of others. Anyone who takes away the rights or freedoms of another is subject to the loss of their own personal rights. Basically, every person is granted their own freedom until they take advantage or harm others.