Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

Occupy Underground

NYC Liberal

(20,412 posts)

2. Freedom of speech, press, etc. all existed before the bill of rights.

Reply to Fire Walk With Me (Original post)

Sat Mar 9, 2013, 12:44 AM

Mar 2013

The bill of rights doesn't "grant" rights; it merely clarifies that the government can't encroach upon them.

So, I don't see the symbolism.

Also, jury trials are guaranteed in the original (pre-Bill of Rights) constitution. Article 2, Section 2:

The Trial of all Crimes, except in Cases of Impeachment, shall be by Jury; and such Trial shall be held in the State where the said Crimes shall have been committed; but when not committed within any State, the Trial shall be at such Place or Places as the Congress may by Law have directed.

Edit history

Please sign in to view edit histories.

Recommendations

0 members have recommended this reply (displayed in chronological order):

3 replies

= new reply since forum marked as read

Highlight:

Brennan takes oath on draft Constitution—without Bill of Rights [View all] Fire Walk With Me Mar 2013 OP

At least this means no 2nd Amendment, so look on the bright side. 99th_Monkey Mar 2013 #1

Freedom of speech, press, etc. all existed before the bill of rights. NYC Liberal Mar 2013 #2

So he should have used a 1791 copy? bonzotex Mar 2013 #3