Page:The Constitution of West Virginia ratified in 1872.pdf/5

 [Art.2, Sec.8]

and shall be kept by the Secretary of State, to be used by him officially, as directed by law.

Writs, Commissions, Official Bonds Indictments

8. Writs, grants and commissions, issued under the authority of this State, shall run in the name of, and official bonds shall be made payable to the State of West Virginia. Indictments shall conclude, “Against the peace and dignity of the State.”

ARTICLE III

Bill of Rights

1. All men are, by nature, equally free and independent, and have certain inherent rights, of which, when they enter into a state of society, they cannot, by any compact, deprive or divest their posterity, namely: The enjoyment of life and liberty, with the means of acquiring and possessing property, and of pursuing and obtaining happiness and safety.

Magistrates Servants of People

2. All power is vested in, and consequently derived from, the people. Magistrates are their trustees and servants, and at all times amendable to them.

Rights Reserved to People

3. Government is instituted for the common benefit, protection and security of the people, nation or community. Of all its various forms that is the best, which is capable of producing the greatest degree of happiness and safety, and is most effectually secured against the danger of maladministration; and when any government shall be found inadequate or contrary to these purposes, a majority of the community has an indubitable, inalienable, and indefeasible right to reform, alter or abolish it in such manner as shall be judged most conducive to the public weal.

Writ of Habeas Corpus

4. The privilege of the writ of habeas corpus shall not be suspended. No person shall be held to answer for treason, felony or