US Constitution, Amendment III & IV

The Third Amendment:

No Soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the Owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law.

That one doesn't seem to apply so much today. However, back in colonial times, the British troops would often be quartered (stationed) in someone's house, and you were not allowed to refuse them food and shelter. Well, you can't do that. Simple enough.

The 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.

Now this one is getting a lot more attention these days, especially with the Patriot Act and "Secret Courts" apparently violating this one.

It says I'm secure in my house and YOU cannot come in. It's my house and I own it. You cannot even look inside unless you have a warrant based on probable cause. No, I cannot explain how in the world Kelo v. New London doesn't violate this amendment.

This is a right that is not enjoyed in many other countries. It is the right to own and have private property. Without this one, many of the others would fall apart because you might be able to own a printing press (or computer, or gun), but the government could just walk in your house and take it away from you if they didn't like it.

Keep an eye on this amendment, because it appears to me to be violated all the time. Judges, why do you allow it? I refuse to accept the argument that if we all give a little bit of our freedoms, including this one, that we will be any safer.

Posted by: Ogre at 02:52 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
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