Page:The Federal and state constitutions v3.djvu/489

Rh. 12. That for the redress of grievances, and for amending, strengthening, and preserving the laws, the legislature ought to be frequently convened.

. 13. That every man hath a right to petition the legislature for the redress of grievances, in a peaceable and orderly manner.

. 14. That no aid, charge, tax, burden, or fees ought to be rated or levied, under any pretence, without the consent of the legislature.

. 15. That the levying of taxes by the poll is grievous and oppressive, and ought to be prohibited; that paupers ought not to be assessed for the support of the government, but every other person in the State, or persons holding property therein, ought to contribute his proportion of public taxes for the support of government, according to his actual worth in real or personal property; yet fines, duties, or taxes may properly and justly be imposed or laid, with a political view, for the good government and benefit of the community.

. 16. That sanguinary laws ought to be avoided as far as it is consistent with the safety of the State; and no law to inflict cruel and unusual pains and penalties ought to be made in any case, or at any time hereafter.

. 17. That retrospective laws, punishing acts committed before the existence of such laws, and by them only declared criminal, are oppressive, unjust, and incompatible with liberty; wherefore no ex post facto law ought to be made.

. 18. That no law to attaint particular persons of treason or felony ought to be made in any case, or at any time hereafter.

. 19. That every man, for any injury done to him in his person or property, ought to have remedy by the course of the law of the land, and ought to have justice and right freely without sale, fully without any denial, and speedily without delay, according to the law of the land.

. 20. That the trial of facts where they arise is one of the greatest securities of the lives, liberties, and estate of the people.

. 21. That in all criminal prosecutions every man hath a right to be informed of the accusation against him; to have a copy of the indictment or charge in due time (if required) to prepare for his defence; to be allowed counsel; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have process for his witnesses; to examine the witnesses for and against him on oath; and to a speedy trial by an impartial jury, without whose unanimous consent he ought not to be found guilty.

. 22. That no man ought to be compelled to give evidence against himself in a criminal case.

. 23. That no man ought to be taken or imprisoned, or disseized of his freehold, liberties, or privileges, or outlawed, or exiled, or in any manner destroyed, or deprived of his life, liberty, or property, but by the judgment of his peers, or by the law of the land.

. 24. That hereafter, in this State, there shall be neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except in punishment of crime, whereof the party shall have been duly convicted; and all persons held to service or labor as slaves are hereby declared free.

. 25. That excessive bail ought not to be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel or unusual punishment inflicted, by the courts of law.