Page:The Federal and state constitutions v5.djvu/276

2802 particularly described and supported by evidence, are dangerous to liberty and ought not to be granted.

There shall be no imprisonment for debt in this State, except in cases of fraud. No person ought to be taken, imprisoned, or disseized of his freehold, liberties, or privileges, or outlawed, or exiled, or in any manner deprived of his life, liberty, or property, but by the law of the land.

Every person restrained of his liberty is entitled to a remedy to inquire into the lawfulness thereof, and to remove the same if unlawful; and such remedy ought not to be denied or delayed.

In all controversies at law respecting property, the ancient mode of trial by jury is one of the best securities of the rights of the people, and ought to remain sacred and inviolable.

The freedom of the press is one of the great bulwarks of liberty, and, therefore, ought never to be restrained, but every individual shall be held responsible for the abuse of the same.

The privilege of the writ of habeas corpus shall not be suspended.

As political rights and privileges are not dependent upon or modified by property, therefore no property qualifications ought to affect the right to vote or hold office.

The people of this State ought not to be taxed, or made subject to the payment of any impost or duty, without the consent of themselves, or their representatives in general assembly, freely given.

A well-regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed; and as standing armies in time of peace are dangerous to liberty, they ought not to be kept up, and the military should be kept under strict subordination to and governed by the civil power.

The people have a right to assemble together to consult for their common good, to instruct their representatives, and to apply to the legislature for redress of grievances.

All men have a natural and unalienable right to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their own consciences, and no human authority should, in any case whatever, control or interfere with the right of conscience.

The people have a right to the privilege of education, and it is the duty of the State to guard and maintain that right.

For redress of grievances, and for amending and strengthening the laws, elections should be often held.

A frequent recurrence to fundamental principles is absolutely necessary to preserve the blessings of liberty.

No hereditary emoluments, privileges, or honors ought to be granted or conferred in this State.

Perpetuities and monopolies are contrary to the genius of a free State, and ought not to be allowed.

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. No law taxing retrospectively sales, purchases, or other acts previously done, ought to be passed.