The original Seventh Amendment is an anachronism with very little relating to the modern day. It stated that legal claims regarding sums of money over $20 need to be reviewed by a court of law (back then $20 was a significant amount of money). In today’s world it has been interpreted to better suit appropriate values. Any claims below this amount need not be resolved in federal court. Its purpose is to prevent the court’s time from being squandered on insignificant matters.

The Sixth Amendment grants accused citizens rights at trial. These include: the right to a quick and speedy trial, the right to trial by jury, and the right to a lawyer. While the term “quick and speedy” is open to interpretation, it means that a trial must be offered to the defendant as soon as one is available. This prevents abuse of the system: the defendant cannot be held in custody indefinitely before trial nor stay out on bail forever. The defendant must be heard by a trial, such that a fair sentencing heavily influenced by a group of people is the end result. The last portion of the law mandates that a lawyer is provided to the defendant if requested. Necessitating a lawyer creates a levelplaying field for people who cannot afford one.

The Fourth Amendment outlines legal protocols on how information can be collected. It states that no unreasonable search and seizure is permitted. This means that the police force cannot search a vehicle without “probable cause” (having some sort of testimony or incriminating evidence) unless a warrant was previously signed by a judge. However, an exception to these rules is if a violation is in “plain sight” (e.g. packets of marijuana in the open), where police can take immediate action. These rules ensure that defendants have a fair chance to explain themselves and prepare if likely to be questioned.

The Fifth Amendment is a right at court, and it entails protocol for a suspect of a crime. It states that someone cannot be forced to testify against themselves. This law helps protect citizens in cases where evidence is unclear and they could incriminate themselves without intending to do so. Due to the Ernesto Miranda case, this right must be listed to the accused to help prevent abuse of lack of knowledge.

The Third Amendment states that a citizen cannot be required to house a soldier under any circumstances. This amendment was added to the Constitution to prevent the government from becoming like Britain’s Parliament, as Parliament had unfairly treated the colonies with the Quartering Act. However, nowadays this amendment has little to no value, as there is dedicated military-funded housing for soldiers.

The First Amendment outlines 5 basic freedoms of American citizens. All relate to what a citizen can lawfully practice. The first freedom is the right to practice any religion. The second point is the freedom of speech, which means a citizen can say anything they desire. The third freedom is the right to press, which allows any information to be published through any medium. The fourth right allows people to peacefully assemble, which means any nonviolent, legal gathering can not be disbanded. The last right is the freedom to petition the government. This means that people can protest for changes without fear of prosecution. As a whole, the First Amendment represents important, basic liberties necessary to protect the people from the power of the government.

The Second Amendment states that people have the right to bear arms (weapons) to protect themselves from danger. However, in order to protect public safety, the right can be restricted (e.x. convicted felons cannot purchase guns). Additionally, permits are required for the government to keep track of these weapons. The right aims to give people the power to protect themselves from threats, however the extent of the application of this amendment is often contested.