Bill of Rights Definition

Commonly refers to the first ten amendments to the federal constitution, adopted in 1791. The Bill of Rights includes many cornerstones of our democracy: freedom of speech, religion, and assembly (U.S. Const. amend. I); prohibitions against unreasonable search and seizure (U.S. Const. amend. IV), cruel and unusual punishment (U.S. Const. amend. VIII), and compelled self-incrimination (U.S. Const. amend. V); and the rights to due process (U.S. Const. amend. V) and a speedy trial if accused of a crime (U.S. Const. amend. VI).

Learn more at Constitution Annotated (2023).