The Bill of Rights, Part Ii

No illegal search and seizure Says amendment Number Four Probable cause necessary Before we break down your door. The warrant spells out what they search, Describing things they will seize. So hide them where you know they won’t Go to the judge, and say, “Please.” Number Five’s an uncommon gem It says we won’t take your life Without due process of the law, Or by talking to your wife. Testimony from yourself, and Oh, yeah, double jeopardy, Will never be responsible For removing liberty. We will not take your property For a bridge or a highway. Not without compensating you But, please, stay out of the way. We’ll never pay you what it’s worth, Nor what the market will bear. We shall pay you what we think’s right And so what if it’s not fair? So now we come to Number Six: Speedy trial for you and me. Impartial juries we will have ‘Less the press first runs the story. We will inform you of the crime They think you have committed. And let you confront eyewitness And a lawyer, not dim witted. So here we are, now at Seven, But this one’s kind of dicey. It’s about the common law, And the cost of controversy. The courts have set some precedents From the beginning to this year So put this one from your mind, but Don’t let lawyers know your fear. Punishment cruel, or excessive Is listed in Number Eight. High bails and fines not imposed Except in a crime of hate. This allows a sentence of death When combined with Number Five. So, while stoning is a no, no. Injection can take your life. The rights for you, herein displayed Shall not be the only item. Number Nine says it right clear Other rights are not denied ‘em. This simply means, to you and me, We’re somewhat free, to a point. Beware of our society For they say no to that joint. This now brings us to Number Ten About powers left on the rack. If it’s not stated by this doc States, and people, take up the slack. The constitution delegates Power to the three branches. But if they overstep these bounds Beware election chances.