1732. CONSTITUTIONS (American), Principles of.—
There are certain principles
in which our constitutions all agree, and
which all cherish as vitally essential to the
protection of the life, liberty, property, and
safety of the citizen. 1. Freedom of religion,
restricted only from acts of trespass on
that of others. 2. Freedom of person, securing
every one from imprisonment, or other
bodily restraint, but by the laws of the land.
This is effected by the law of habeas corpus.
3. Trial by jury, the best of all safe-guards
for the person, the property, and the fame of
every individual. 4. The exclusive right of
legislation and taxation in the representatives
of the people. 5. Freedom of the press, subject
only to liability for personal injuries.—
To A. Coray. Washington ed. vii, 323.
(M.
1823)
