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Student Government Association

Student Rights

First Amendment

The right of the people to freely exercise religion, to speak freely, to publish their thoughts and opinions, to peaceably assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances shall not be infringed; nor shall any law be made respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting its free exercise.

What this means and how to use these rights:

https://firstamendment.mtsu.edu/7-things-to-know-about-the-first-amendment/

Fourth Amendment

The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.

What this means and how to use these rights:

Fifth Amendment

The right of the people not to be held to answer for a capital or otherwise infamous crime without a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury shall not be violated, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger; nor shall the right of the people to be free from double jeopardy, compelled self-incrimination, or deprivation of life, liberty, or property without due process of law be infringed; nor shall private property be taken for public use without just compensation.

What this means and how to use these rights:

Sixth Amendment

The right of the people to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, shall not be violated; nor shall the right of the people to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation, to be confronted with the witnesses against them, to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in their favor, and to have the Assistance of Counsel for their defense be infringed.

What this means and how to use these rights:


https://www.uscourts.gov/about-federal-courts/educational-resources/educational-activities/sixth-amendment-activities

Eighth Amendment

The right of the people to be free from excessive bail and excessive fines shall not be violated; nor shall the right of the people to be protected against cruel and unusual punishments be infringed.

What this means and how to use these rights:

https://leppardlaw.com/federal/bail/prohibition-of-excessive-bail-u-s-constitution-8th amendment/#:~:text=The%20purpose%20of%20the%208th%20Amendment%20is%20to%20protect%20individuals,financial%20measures%20before%20their%20trial.

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306 Student Union Building
(615) 898-2464
sga@mtsu.edu