A volunteer’s journey does not always follow a straight line. We’re catching up with our Bill of Rights Countdown to the special election on Wednesday, October 16 by featuring:

Today: An opportunity for a brief reading of amendments 3 – 8 of the United States Constitution (Wikipedia is a good source of additional information).

Tomorrow, Tuesday: The Second Amendment, with thoughts from Scott Bach, Esq., of the New Jersey Association of New Jersey Rifle and Pistol Clubs.

Election Day, Wednesday: The First Amendment, featuring an essay by Essex County’s 21^st century, Fourth Estate game-changer, the Honorable Carl Bergmanson, co-founder of Baristanet.

Did you know: New Jersey was the first state to ratify the Bill of Rights on November 20, 1789.

Eighth Amendment: Criminals shall not face cruel & unusual punishment

Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.

Seventh Amendment: Right to a jury trial in civil cases

In Suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact tried by a jury, shall be otherwise re-examined in any Court of the United States, than according to the rules of the common law.

Sixth Amendment: Right to a speedy trial and other rights of the defendant in a criminal trial

In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the Assistance of Counsel for his defence.

Fifth Amendment: Protection against double jeopardy and self-incrimination

No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offence to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.

Basis for U.S. Supreme Court decision in Miranda v. Arizona (1966)

Fourth Amendment: Safeguards against unreasonable search and seizures

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.

Third Amendment: Restricting the quartering of soldiers in private homes

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.