Legal Terms and the Bill of Rights

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Bill of Rights

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A formal listing of the basic rights of U.S. citizens made up of the first ten amendments to the United States Constitution

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Warrant

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An order from a judge that authorizes police or other officials to take a certain action, such as searching someone's property

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Double jeopardy

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Putting a person on trial more than once for the same crime

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Self-incrimination

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Giving testimony that can be used against oneself

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Due process

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The concept that the government must follow clear rules and act reasonably as it carries out the law

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Defendant

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A person who is required to defend himself or herself in a legal action. An example is an accused person who is put on trial for a crime.

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First Amendment

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Protects freedom of speech, religion, the press, and assembly; allows people to petition the government

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Second Amendment

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Grants citizens the right to keep and bear arms

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Third Amendment

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Prohibits the government from quartering soldiers in private homes during peacetime without the owner's consent

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Fourth Amendment

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Protects people from unreasonable searches and seizures of their persons, houses, papers, and effects