Nov 9, 2020 | The Informed Citizen
by Jodi L. Miller Can you imagine being forced to shelter someone you don’t know in your home indefinitely? We’re not talking about a distant cousin that annoys you by borrowing your stuff without asking. We’re talking about a British soldier that is essentially...
Nov 9, 2020 | The Informed Citizen
by Jodi L. Miller In 1763, William Pitt, the 1st Earl of Chatham, gave a speech in Parliament’s House of Lords where he said: “The poorest man may in his cottage bid defiance to all the forces of the Crown. It may be frail—its roof may shake—the wind may blow through...
Nov 8, 2020 | The Informed Citizen
by Jodi L. Miller Of all the amendments in the Bill of Rights, you may be most familiar with the Fifth, especially if you’re a fan of cop shows or courtroom dramas. You’ve probably heard the term, “Taking the Fifth.” You may even have a vague idea of what double...
Nov 8, 2020 | The Informed Citizen
by Jodi L. Miller The Sixth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution is all about criminal prosecution. The amendment contains seven rights afforded to the accused, including the right to a speedy trial; the right to a pubic trial; the right to an impartial jury; the right...
Nov 7, 2020 | The Informed Citizen
by Jodi L. Miller The principle of the Seventh Amendment is that, under America’s civil justice system, everyone has equal access to a civil jury trial. The amendment states: “In Suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the...
Nov 7, 2020 | The Informed Citizen
by Jodi L. Miller At just 16 words, the Eighth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution is the shortest. It states: “Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.” Adopted as one of the 10 amendments included...
