The English Bill of Rights"

Question

An Act Declaring the Rights and Liberties of the Subject and Settling the Succession of the Crown

Whereas the late King James the Second, by the assistance of divers evil counsellors, judges and ministers employed by him, did endeavour to subvert and extirpate the Protestant religion and the laws and liberties of this kingdom;

By assuming and exercising a power of dispensing with and suspending of laws and the execution of laws without consent of Parliament;

By committing and prosecuting divers worthy prelates for humbly petitioning to be excused from concurring to the said assumed power;

By issuing and causing to be executed a commission under the great seal for erecting a court called the Court of Commissioners for Ecclesiastical Causes;

By levying money for and to the use of the Crown by pretence of prerogative for other time and in other manner than the same was granted by Parliament;

By raising and keeping a standing army within this

Answer 1

kingdom in time of peace without the consent of Parliament;

By causing the delay of justice by the frequent removal of causes and by the creation of new and extraordinary courts;

By imposing excessive bail and fines, and inflicting cruel and unusual punishments;

By holding the people in a state of insecurity and fear, through a variety of oppressive measures;

And by acting against the laws and liberties that have historically been the foundation of this realm;

We do assert and declare the following rights of the subject and liberties of the realm, which are essential for a thriving and just society:

1. The right to petition the Crown without fear of reprisal or punishment, and for such a petition to be honored and considered by Parliament.

2. The right to free speech within the debates and discussions of Parliament, ensuring that members of Parliament may speak freely on all matters without threat of censure.

3. The right to bear arms, in accordance with the laws that govern the kingdom, as a means to defend themselves and their liberties.

4. The right to trial by jury, ensuring that all individuals are entitled to a fair and impartial trial, judged by their peers.

5. No excessive fines or cruel punishments shall be imposed and the principle that law must be administered fairly and justly shall always be upheld.

6. No taxation shall be levied without the consent of Parliament, reaffirming the right of the people to be consulted on matters affecting their economic well-being.

7. The principle of parliamentary sovereignty shall be established, affirming that Parliament is the supreme legal authority in the kingdom.

8. No standing army shall be maintained in times of peace without the consent of Parliament, thereby ensuring that the military remains subordinate to civilian rule.

In light of these international threats against our liberties and the previously mentioned abuses, it is essential to maintain the distinction between those who govern and the subjects, ensuring that governance remains an instrument for the benefit of the people it serves.

Additionally, this document recognizes and affirms that the independence of the judiciary, the rule of law, and the rights of individuals form the cornerstone of our constitution.

We stand united in our commitment to uphold these rights and liberties, and through this declaration, we seek to provide assurance that never again will the crown overreach its power in a way that endangers the freedom and rights of the subjects and citizens of this realm.