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News links for Veterans
On Point:
On Point – The following individuals have joined the staff of Veterans Strategic Legal Resources, Inc.
• Judge Howard Young, JD (Ret) – General Council,
On Point – As of the 1st quarter of 2007, VSLR has received recognition and or endorsement from the following:
• Congressman Stephen F. Lynch,
• Congressman Barney Frank,
• Congressman Bill Delahunt,
• Mr. Paul Hutter, General Counsel, Dept of Veterans Affairs, Washington, D.C.
• Mr. Darin Selnik, Director, Center for Faith-Based & Community Initiatives, Washington, D.C.
• Dr. Lisa Fisher (Chair) and the VA- Veterans Family Consumer Committee
• Chairman’s Rep. Anthony J. Verga, and Sen. Stephen M. Brewer, along with members of the
Massachusetts Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs,
• Lawrence J. Feeney, General Counsel, Massachusetts, Dept of Veterans’ Services,
• Gene Vailancourt, Commissioner, Boston, Veterans’ Services Department,
• Mike DePaulo, National Service Officer, Rolling Thunder,
• A Large number of Veteran Service Organizations’,
• Counselors within the VA New England Health Care Network and a petition signed by hundreds of local veterans
Contact information shall be supplied at your request.
On Point - Many people have committed to this organization as it is, and many more wish to do so. The enthusiasm is
high and the commitments sincere in support of VSLR & HonorVet Hall Mobile and its services.
On Point - The Internal Document Main Index (10 Volumes) - All the Protocol, Standard Operating Procedures, and
Supporting Documents are available and indexed for your quick reference.
On-Point - An important model for the pro bono aspect of our program is the standard set by the Legal Services
Corporation - a US Government Corporation established by Congress for the review and allocation of federal funding
to private sector legal services. We decided to use this model for its detail. It allows us to modify it according to our
mandate (while not seeking federal funding for this limits our services).
On Point – Technology “State of the Art": We have the technical people for the evaluation and integration of new and
innovative ways of offering services which we intend to procure through telecommunications technology, video
conferencing technology and the Internet.
On Point - Due Diligence (constant for us), It's a clear understanding of the facts, circumstances and the
contingencies necessary to fulfill our mandate. It is not, can it be done, it’s what's needed to get it done!
On Point - We are a patriotic organization as is reflected in our commitment, our Constitution and our Bylaws.
On Point - Our intention is to get to the grass roots of the social, economic and judicial issues on a personal and
individual basis on matters that concern Veterans.
On Point - We lessen the burden of government, while contributing to the local community.
On Point – “Working for the End”: From its conception, VSLR has structured and organized itself as a national
program, as is reflected in our Constitution and Bylaws.
On Point – A marketing committee shall be formulated utilizing members of the Board of Directors, General Staff,
Interns, and Veterans with the objective of formulating, developing and executing an effective marketing campaign
within recognized target markets that effect a non profit Veteran organization providing pro bono legal services under
federal and state laws governing advertising, donations and funding.
On Point – Partner/attorney firm benefits will include discounts on seminars & publications, law firm pro bono
management consultation, acknowledgment of support, website development, access to the VSLR law library,
paralegal & legal research assistance and a host of other benefits to be established.
On Point – As a corporate policy all documents, fliers, advertisements, applications, productions involving the Veteran
and the general population will include a US Government and Department of Veterans Affairs disclaimer. Approved by
appropriate authority.
On Point – VA/VSLR Relationship, Autonomous – with a common mission.
On Point –Initiate policy to assure and avoid a Conflict of Interest between VSLR and the Department of Veterans
Affairs.
On Point – From its conception VSLR has been fully transparent and respectfully request the involvement of citizens
and of all veterans.
On Point – The following individuals have joined the staff of Veterans Strategic Legal Resources, Inc.
• Judge Howard Young, JD (Ret) – General Council,
On Point – As of the 1st quarter of 2007, VSLR has received recognition and or endorsement from the following:
• Congressman Stephen F. Lynch,
• Congressman Barney Frank,
• Congressman Bill Delahunt,
• Mr. Paul Hutter, General Counsel, Dept of Veterans Affairs, Washington, D.C.
• Mr. Darin Selnik, Director, Center for Faith-Based & Community Initiatives, Washington, D.C.
• Dr. Lisa Fisher (Chair) and the VA- Veterans Family Consumer Committee
• Chairman’s Rep. Anthony J. Verga, and Sen. Stephen M. Brewer, along with members of the
Massachusetts Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs,
• Lawrence J. Feeney, General Counsel, Massachusetts, Dept of Veterans’ Services,
• Gene Vailancourt, Commissioner, Boston, Veterans’ Services Department,
• Mike DePaulo, National Service Officer, Rolling Thunder,
• A Large number of Veteran Service Organizations’,
• Counselors within the VA New England Health Care Network and a petition signed by hundreds of local veterans
Contact information shall be supplied at your request.
On Point - Many people have committed to this organization as it is, and many more wish to do so. The enthusiasm is
high and the commitments sincere in support of VSLR & HonorVet Hall Mobile and its services.
On Point - The Internal Document Main Index (10 Volumes) - All the Protocol, Standard Operating Procedures, and
Supporting Documents are available and indexed for your quick reference.
On-Point - An important model for the pro bono aspect of our program is the standard set by the Legal Services
Corporation - a US Government Corporation established by Congress for the review and allocation of federal funding
to private sector legal services. We decided to use this model for its detail. It allows us to modify it according to our
mandate (while not seeking federal funding for this limits our services).
On Point – Technology “State of the Art": We have the technical people for the evaluation and integration of new and
innovative ways of offering services which we intend to procure through telecommunications technology, video
conferencing technology and the Internet.
On Point - Due Diligence (constant for us), It's a clear understanding of the facts, circumstances and the
contingencies necessary to fulfill our mandate. It is not, can it be done, it’s what's needed to get it done!
On Point - We are a patriotic organization as is reflected in our commitment, our Constitution and our Bylaws.
On Point - Our intention is to get to the grass roots of the social, economic and judicial issues on a personal and
individual basis on matters that concern Veterans.
On Point - We lessen the burden of government, while contributing to the local community.
On Point – “Working for the End”: From its conception, VSLR has structured and organized itself as a national
program, as is reflected in our Constitution and Bylaws.
On Point – A marketing committee shall be formulated utilizing members of the Board of Directors, General Staff,
Interns, and Veterans with the objective of formulating, developing and executing an effective marketing campaign
within recognized target markets that effect a non profit Veteran organization providing pro bono legal services under
federal and state laws governing advertising, donations and funding.
On Point – Partner/attorney firm benefits will include discounts on seminars & publications, law firm pro bono
management consultation, acknowledgment of support, website development, access to the VSLR law library,
paralegal & legal research assistance and a host of other benefits to be established.
On Point – As a corporate policy all documents, fliers, advertisements, applications, productions involving the Veteran
and the general population will include a US Government and Department of Veterans Affairs disclaimer. Approved by
appropriate authority.
On Point – VA/VSLR Relationship, Autonomous – with a common mission.
On Point –Initiate policy to assure and avoid a Conflict of Interest between VSLR and the Department of Veterans
Affairs.
On Point – From its conception VSLR has been fully transparent and respectfully request the involvement of citizens
and of all veterans.
LET'S TAKE OUR SERVICES TO THE VETERAN!
WE NEED YOUR HELP!
WE NEED YOUR HELP!
Maximum flexibility means maximum capability to meet the VETERAN legal situation requirements. Be ready for the
unexpected with a VET-legal mobile command center. JOIN TASK FORCE: VSLR/MOBILE 2.0
unexpected with a VET-legal mobile command center. JOIN TASK FORCE: VSLR/MOBILE 2.0
WE WENT FOR OUR COUNTRY - WE STAYED FOR EACH OTHER!
VSLR/Moble 2.0
THIS IS OF OUR GOAL!
It is of our opinion that the Veterans Strategic Legal Resources, Inc., Pro Bono Challenge and our Extended Programs Initiative would enhance the
mandate of the Veterans Administrative in its service to our veterans.
As supported by the Veterans Administration statistical data: http://www1.va.gov/homeless/page.cfm Legal Services are the 4th unmet need affecting
our homeless and disadvantaged veterans. We feel VSLR would be in a position to assist the Veterans Administration and our community with their
services if positioned logistically within the VA System.
Veterans Strategic Legal Resources, Inc., has not come across one legal service provider that exclusively supports Veterans and there issues, not even
among Veteran Service Organizations. VSO’s provide services to veterans with benefit issues, to my knowledge, not civil, criminal, mediation and
arbitration services.
The point is there is a growing need for legal services in general, across the country. Now let’s take into account that the Veteran population is the
second highest among the homeless population, second only to women with children. And we know these statistics are not even close when we all stop
looking down from the highland and get down to the lowlands.
Another inspiration for the Veterans Strategic Legal Resources, Inc., model is that one way of assisting the veteran while at the same time lessening the
burden on the local community is to bring our service to the indigent and disadvantaged veteran. All Veterans went where they were told to go. When
the time came! Now let’s bring this service to the Veteran.
VSLR: is honored to invite you to become a member of a task force for the establishment of HonorVet Hall.
HonorVet Hall has been created to serve our large and growing veteran population through a partnership between government and several service
organizations, both public and private. Our state is currently experiencing the problems inherent with an older veteran’s population as well as the
issues that surround the current unmet needs with veterans rotating back into mainstream society.
We propose to use a comprehensive approach to the issues that veterans face, including activities aimed at health, wellness, life skills, social
enrichment, job development and legal pro bono work towards a prober transition into mainstream society. We also propose to create a single entry
point to all the various services available to veterans through a series of partnerships with local, state and federal service providers within New
England and the Veterans Administration.
We are requesting your participation and financial assistance to enable us to establish a pilot program that demonstrates the benefits of success,
thereby improving the chances of success for veterans and their families.
Aspects of our planning will move ahead regardless of outside funding, though our efforts would be enhanced greatly by your involvement and
assistance. For answers to questions about our proposed project, please contact us.
We appreciate this opportunity to participate among the other veteran service providers offering opportunities’ to our disadvantaged and deserving
veterans of the armed services.
ATTORNEY FORUM
BELOW
BELOW
| VSLR/Moble 2.0 |
VSLR/Mobile 2.0
We are currently in the process of collecting information needed for a feasibility study that would diminish the Veterans
Administration’s 4th national unmet need - Legal Services for disadvantaged veterans and their families.
MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of VSLR/Mobile 2.0 is to prevent, ameliorate, or resolve legal problems that confront disadvantaged veterans and their
families by providing professional legal counseling and assistance where legal service would not otherwise be readily available.
VSLR/Mobile 2.0 also seeks to educate veterans about their legal rights and responsibilities through informational programs and
materials, as well as individual counseling.
Assistance with legal problems is an unmet and essential service for veterans, as legal problems can jeopardize a veteran’s
performance and development in making a smooth transition back into mainstream society. VSLR/Mobile 2.0 hopes to assists in
alleviating these obstacles that prevent disadvantaged veterans from the most basic of services and opportunities in order to
maximize the quality of basic civil rights.
Abstract:
A project to transport veteran legal resources to veterans around the nation is now being evaluated on the basis of seven objectives:
(1) to publicize information on veterans legal services provided by the project,
(2) to make available legal resources, and other veteran services otherwise not available,
(3) to demonstrate effective pro bono veterans legal services and to educate the community of unmet needs,
(4) to develop a nation-wide veterans legal services network,
(5) to make available materials and support that legal service providers can use to assist veterans unmet needs by utilizing
technological innovation and nonconventional possibilities,
(6) to develop a partnership with local attorney/law firms, and to explore and identify new approaches to - and resources for - the
provision of legal services to disadvantaged Veterans and their families and other individuals or groups that assist veterans to secure
legal assistance to address critical problems.
(7) to make veterans services information available to survey a state by state awareness of services and satisfaction.
PROJECTED SERVICES and POLICIES
Principal Functions
In furtherance of its mission, the principal functions performed by VSLR/Mobile 2.0 will be:
1. Counseling the veteran regarding a legal problem and describing the options available to the veteran, including answering
questions or explaining the individual’s legal rights and responsibilities. This counseling is privileged and confidential.
2. Negotiating on behalf of the veteran with other parties to a legal problem, e.g., landlords, creditors, insurance companies, public
and private dispensers of consumer services, and various Government departments.
3. Drafting letters and legal documents for the veteran or assisting the veteran in the drafting of these documents.
4. Aid the veteran in seeking the assistance of an attorney who can represent him/her in cases where courtroom appearances are
likely and providing appropriate assistance or referrals.
5. Preparing and presenting programs and materials on legal issues of interest to veterans, e.g., speaking at Veteran Service
Organizations, conducting workshops for veteran groups, disseminating brochures on common legal problems, and developing and
maintaining an informational Web site.
6. Training and supervising staff who volunteer to present veterans’ cases at Veteran Committee hearings.
7. Training law student from Law Schools to interview and counsel veterans, as well as to perform research, drafting, and other
legal services for the veteran client.
8. Recruit Attorney/Firms and Law Students to become partners.
9. Strategically establish a VSLR satellite branch within each state.
10. Focus on the ethical underpinnings of this program; every lawyer’s fundamental responsibility to ensure equal access to justice.
Linked to this ethical imperative is the pivotal role-played by VSLR in maintaining the professionalism of the legal profession. As
lawyers seek to preserve the highest ideals of their profession, they must concern themselves not only with the bottom line, but also
with the greater public good.
We are currently in the process of collecting information needed for a feasibility study that would diminish the Veterans
Administration’s 4th national unmet need - Legal Services for disadvantaged veterans and their families.
MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of VSLR/Mobile 2.0 is to prevent, ameliorate, or resolve legal problems that confront disadvantaged veterans and their
families by providing professional legal counseling and assistance where legal service would not otherwise be readily available.
VSLR/Mobile 2.0 also seeks to educate veterans about their legal rights and responsibilities through informational programs and
materials, as well as individual counseling.
Assistance with legal problems is an unmet and essential service for veterans, as legal problems can jeopardize a veteran’s
performance and development in making a smooth transition back into mainstream society. VSLR/Mobile 2.0 hopes to assists in
alleviating these obstacles that prevent disadvantaged veterans from the most basic of services and opportunities in order to
maximize the quality of basic civil rights.
Abstract:
A project to transport veteran legal resources to veterans around the nation is now being evaluated on the basis of seven objectives:
(1) to publicize information on veterans legal services provided by the project,
(2) to make available legal resources, and other veteran services otherwise not available,
(3) to demonstrate effective pro bono veterans legal services and to educate the community of unmet needs,
(4) to develop a nation-wide veterans legal services network,
(5) to make available materials and support that legal service providers can use to assist veterans unmet needs by utilizing
technological innovation and nonconventional possibilities,
(6) to develop a partnership with local attorney/law firms, and to explore and identify new approaches to - and resources for - the
provision of legal services to disadvantaged Veterans and their families and other individuals or groups that assist veterans to secure
legal assistance to address critical problems.
(7) to make veterans services information available to survey a state by state awareness of services and satisfaction.
PROJECTED SERVICES and POLICIES
Principal Functions
In furtherance of its mission, the principal functions performed by VSLR/Mobile 2.0 will be:
1. Counseling the veteran regarding a legal problem and describing the options available to the veteran, including answering
questions or explaining the individual’s legal rights and responsibilities. This counseling is privileged and confidential.
2. Negotiating on behalf of the veteran with other parties to a legal problem, e.g., landlords, creditors, insurance companies, public
and private dispensers of consumer services, and various Government departments.
3. Drafting letters and legal documents for the veteran or assisting the veteran in the drafting of these documents.
4. Aid the veteran in seeking the assistance of an attorney who can represent him/her in cases where courtroom appearances are
likely and providing appropriate assistance or referrals.
5. Preparing and presenting programs and materials on legal issues of interest to veterans, e.g., speaking at Veteran Service
Organizations, conducting workshops for veteran groups, disseminating brochures on common legal problems, and developing and
maintaining an informational Web site.
6. Training and supervising staff who volunteer to present veterans’ cases at Veteran Committee hearings.
7. Training law student from Law Schools to interview and counsel veterans, as well as to perform research, drafting, and other
legal services for the veteran client.
8. Recruit Attorney/Firms and Law Students to become partners.
9. Strategically establish a VSLR satellite branch within each state.
10. Focus on the ethical underpinnings of this program; every lawyer’s fundamental responsibility to ensure equal access to justice.
Linked to this ethical imperative is the pivotal role-played by VSLR in maintaining the professionalism of the legal profession. As
lawyers seek to preserve the highest ideals of their profession, they must concern themselves not only with the bottom line, but also
with the greater public good.
| UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION ________________________________________ We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America. Article. I. Section 1. All legislative Powers herein granted shall be vested in a Congress of the United States, which shall consist of a Senate and House of Representatives. Section. 2. Clause 1: The House of Representatives shall be composed of Members chosen every second Year by the People of the several States, and the Electors in each State shall have the Qualifications requisite for Electors of the most numerous Branch of the State Legislature. Clause 2: No Person shall be a Representative who shall not have attained to the Age of twenty five Years, and been seven Years a Citizen of the United States, and who shall not, when elected, be an Inhabitant of that State in which he shall be chosen. Clause 3: Representatives and direct Taxes shall be apportioned among the several States which may be included within this Union, according to their respective Numbers, which shall be determined by adding to the whole Number of free Persons, including those bound to Service for a Term of Years, and excluding Indians not taxed, three fifths of all other Persons. (See Note 2) The actual Enumeration shall be made within three Years after the first Meeting of the Congress of the United States, and within every subsequent Term of ten Years, in such Manner as they shall by Law direct. The Number of Representatives shall not exceed one for every thirty Thousand, but each State shall have at Least one Representative; and until such enumeration shall be made, the State of New Hampshire shall be entitled to choose three, Massachusetts eight, Rhode-Island and Providence Plantations one, Connecticut five, New-York six, New Jersey four, Pennsylvania eight, Delaware one, Maryland six, Virginia ten, North Carolina five, South Carolina five, and Georgia three. Clause 4: When vacancies happen in the Representation from any State, the Executive Authority thereof shall issue Writs of Election to fill such Vacancies. Clause 5: The House of Representatives shall choose their Speaker and other Officers; and shall have the sole Power of Impeachment. Section. 3. Clause 1: The Senate of the United States shall be composed of two Senators from each State, chosen by the Legislature thereof, (See Note 3) for six Years; and each Senator shall have one Vote. Clause 2: Immediately after they shall be assembled in Consequence of the first Election, they shall be divided as equally as may be into three Classes. The Seats of the Senators of the first Class shall be vacated at the Expiration of the second Year, of the second Class at the Expiration of the fourth Year, and of the third Class at the Expiration of the sixth Year, so that one third may be chosen every second Year; and if Vacancies happen by Resignation, or otherwise, during the Recess of the Legislature of any State, the Executive thereof may make temporary Appointments until the next Meeting of the Legislature, which shall then fill such Vacancies. (See Note 4) Clause 3: No Person shall be a Senator who shall not have attained to the Age of thirty Years, and been nine Years a Citizen of the United States, and who shall not, when elected, be an Inhabitant of that State for which he shall be chosen. Clause 4: The Vice President of the United States shall be President of the Senate, but shall have no Vote, unless they be equally divided. Clause 5: The Senate shall chuse their other Officers, and also a President pro tempore, in the Absence of the Vice President, or when he shall exercise the Office of President of the United States. Clause 6: The Senate shall have the sole Power to try all Impeachments. When sitting for that Purpose, they shall be on Oath or Affirmation. When the President of the United States is tried, the Chief Justice shall preside: And no Person shall be convicted without the Concurrence of two thirds of the Members present. Clause 7: Judgment in Cases of Impeachment shall not extend further than to removal from Office, and disqualification to hold and enjoy any Office of honor, Trust or Profit under the United States: but the Party convicted shall nevertheless be liable and subject to Indictment, Trial, Judgment and Punishment, according to Law. Section. 4. Clause 1: The Times, Places and Manner of holding Elections for Senators and Representatives, shall be prescribed in each State by the Legislature thereof; but the Congress may at any time by Law make or alter such Regulations, except as to the Places of chusing Senators. Clause 2: The Congress shall assemble at least once in every Year, and such Meeting shall be on the first Monday in December, (See Note 5) unless they shall by Law appoint a different Day. Section. 5. Clause 1: Each House shall be the Judge of the Elections, Returns and Qualifications of its own Members, and a Majority of each shall constitute a Quorum to do Business; but a smaller Number may adjourn from day to day, and may be authorized to compel the Attendance of absent Members, in such Manner, and under such Penalties as each House may provide. Clause 2: Each House may determine the Rules of its Proceedings, punish its Members for disorderly Behaviour, and, with the Concurrence of two thirds, expel a Member. Clause 3: Each House shall keep a Journal of its Proceedings, and from time to time publish the same, excepting such Parts as may in their Judgment require Secrecy; and the Yeas and Nays of the Members of either House on any question shall, at the Desire of one fifth of those Present, be entered on the Journal. Clause 4: Neither House, during the Session of Congress, shall, without the Consent of the other, adjourn for more than three days, nor to any other Place than that in which the two Houses shall be sitting. Section. 6. Clause 1: The Senators and Representatives shall receive a Compensation for their Services, to be ascertained by Law, and paid out of the Treasury of the United States. (See Note 6) They shall in all Cases, except Treason, Felony and Breach of the Peace, be privileged from Arrest during their Attendance at the Session of their respective Houses, and in going to and returning from the same; and for any Speech or Debate in either House, they shall not be questioned in any other Place. Clause 2: No Senator or Representative shall, during the Time for which he was elected, be appointed to any civil Office under the Authority of the United States, which shall have been created, or the Emoluments whereof shall have been increased during such time; and no Person holding any Office under the United States, shall be a Member of either House during his Continuance in Office. Section. 7. Clause 1: All Bills for raising Revenue shall originate in the House of Representatives; but the Senate may propose or concur with Amendments as on other Bills. Clause 2: Every Bill which shall have passed the House of Representatives and the Senate, shall, before it become a Law, be presented to the President of the United States; If he approve he shall sign it, but if not he shall return it, with his Objections to that House in which it shall have originated, who shall enter the Objections at large on their Journal, and proceed to reconsider it. If after such Reconsideration two thirds of that House shall agree to pass the Bill, it shall be sent, together with the Objections, to the other House, by which it shall likewise be reconsidered, and if approved by two thirds of that House, it shall become a Law. But in all such Cases the Votes of both Houses shall be determined by yeas and Nays, and the Names of the Persons voting for and against the Bill shall be entered on the Journal of each House respectively. If any Bill shall not be returned by the President within ten Days (Sundays excepted) after it shall have been presented to him, the Same shall be a Law, in like Manner as if he had signed it, unless the Congress by their Adjournment prevent its Return, in which Case it shall not be a Law. Clause 3: Every Order, Resolution, or Vote to which the Concurrence of the Senate and House of Representatives may be necessary (except on a question of Adjournment) shall be presented to the President of the United States; and before the Same shall take Effect, shall be approved by him, or being disapproved by him, shall be reposed by two thirds of the Senate and House of Representatives, according to the Rules and Limitations prescribed in the Case of a Bill. Section. 8. Clause 1: The Congress shall have Power To lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises, to pay the Debts and provide for the common Defense and general Welfare of the United States; but all Duties, Imposts and Excises shall be uniform throughout the United States; Clause 2: To borrow Money on the credit of the United States; Clause 3: To regulate Commerce with foreign Nations, and among the several States, and with the Indian Tribes; Clause 4: To establish a uniform Rule of Naturalization, and uniform Laws on the subject of Bankruptcies throughout the United States; Clause 5: To coin Money, regulate the Value thereof, and of foreign Coin, and fix the Standard of Weights and Measures; Clause 6: To provide for the Punishment of counterfeiting the Securities and current Coin of the United States; Clause 7: To establish Post Offices and post Roads; Clause 8: To promote the Progress of Science and useful Arts, by securing for limited Times to Authors and Inventors the exclusive Right to their respective Writings and Discoveries; Clause 9: To constitute Tribunals inferior to the Supreme Court; Clause 10: To define and punish Piracies and Felonies committed on the high Seas, and Offences against the Law of Nations; Clause 11: To declare War, grant Letters of Marque and Reprisal, and make Rules concerning Captures on Land and Water; Clause 12: To raise and support Armies, but no Appropriation of Money to that Use shall be for a longer Term than two Years; Clause 13: To provide and maintain a Navy; Clause 14: To make Rules for the Government and Regulation of the land and naval Forces; Clause 15: To provide for calling forth the Militia to execute the Laws of the Union, suppress Insurrections and repel Invasions; Clause 16: To provide for organizing, arming, and disciplining, the Militia, and for governing such Part of them as may be employed in the Service of the United States, reserving to the States respectively, the Appointment of the Officers, and the Authority of training the Militia according to the discipline prescribed by Congress; Clause 17: To exercise exclusive Legislation in all Cases whatsoever, over such District (not exceeding ten Miles square) as may, by Cession of particular States, and the Acceptance of Congress, become the Seat of the Government of the United States, and to exercise like Authority over all Places purchased by the Consent of the Legislature of the State in which the Same shall be, for the Erection of Forts, Magazines, Arsenals, dock-Yards, and other needful Buildings;--And Clause 18: To make all Laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into Execution the foregoing Powers, and all other Powers vested by this Constitution in the Government of the United States, or in any Department or Officer thereof. Section. 9. Clause 1: The Migration or Importation of such Persons as any of the States now existing shall think proper to admit, shall not be prohibited by the Congress prior to the Year one thousand eight hundred and eight, but a Tax or duty may be imposed on such Importation, not exceeding ten dollars for each Person. Clause 2: The Privilege of the Writ of Habeas Corpus shall not be suspended, unless when in Cases of Rebellion or Invasion the public Safety may require it. Clause 3: No Bill of Attainder or ex post facto Law shall be passed. Clause 4: No Capitation, or other direct, Tax shall be laid, unless in Proportion to the Census or Enumeration herein before directed to be taken. (See Note 7) Clause 5: No Tax or Duty shall be laid on Articles exported from any State. Clause 6: No Preference shall be given by any Regulation of Commerce or Revenue to the Ports of one State over those of another: nor shall Vessels bound to, or from, one State, be obliged to enter, clear, or pay Duties in another. Clause 7: No Money shall be drawn from the Treasury, but in Consequence of Appropriations made by Law; and a regular Statement and Account of the Receipts and Expenditures of all public Money shall be published from time to time. Clause 8: No Title of Nobility shall be granted by the United States: And no Person holding any Office of Profit or Trust under them, shall, without the Consent of the Congress, accept of any present, Emolument, Office, or Title, of any kind whatever, from any King, Prince, or foreign State. Section. 10. Clause 1: No State shall enter into any Treaty, Alliance, or Confederation; grant Letters of Marque and Reprisal; coin Money; emit Bills of Credit; make any Thing but gold and silver Coin a Tender in Payment of Debts; pass any Bill of Attainder, ex post facto Law, or Law impairing the Obligation of Contracts, or grant any Title of Nobility. Clause 2: No State shall, without the Consent of the Congress, lay any Imposts or Duties on Imports or Exports, except what may be absolutely necessary for executing it's inspection Laws: and the net Produce of all Duties and Imposts, laid by any State on Imports or Exports, shall be for the Use of the Treasury of the United States; and all such Laws shall be subject to the Revision and Control of the Congress. Clause 3: No State shall, without the Consent of Congress, lay any Duty of Tonnage, keep Troops, or Ships of War in time of Peace, enter into any Agreement or Compact with another State, or with a foreign Power, or engage in War, unless actually invaded, or in such imminent Danger as will not admit of delay. Article. II. Section. 1. Clause 1: The executive Power shall be vested in a President of the United States of America. He shall hold his Office during the Term of four Years, and, together with the Vice President, chosen for the same Term, be elected, as follows Clause 2: Each State shall appoint, in such Manner as the Legislature thereof may direct, a Number of Electors, equal to the whole Number of Senators and Representatives to which the State may be entitled in the Congress: but no Senator or Representative, or Person holding an Office of Trust or Profit under the United States, shall be appointed an Elector. Clause 3: The Electors shall meet in their respective States, and vote by Ballot for two Persons, of whom one at least shall not be an Inhabitant of the same State with themselves. And they shall make a List of all the Persons voted for, and of the Number of Votes for each; which List they shall sign and certify, and transmit sealed to the Seat of the Government of the United States, directed to the President of the Senate. The President of the Senate shall, in the Presence of the Senate and House of Representatives, open all the Certificates, and the Votes shall then be counted. The Person having the greatest Number of Votes shall be the President, if such Number be a Majority of the whole Number of Electors appointed; and if there be more than one who have such Majority, and have an equal Number of Votes, then the House of Representatives shall immediately chuse by Ballot one of them for President; and if no Person have a Majority, then from the five highest on the List the said House shall in like Manner chuse the President. But in choosing the President, the Votes shall be taken by States, the Representation from each State having one Vote; A quorum for this Purpose shall consist of a Member or Members from two thirds of the States, and a Majority of all the States shall be necessary to a Choice. In every Case, after the Choice of the President, the Person having the greatest Number of Votes of the Electors shall be the Vice President. But if there should remain two or more who have equal Votes, the Senate shall choose from them by Ballot the Vice President. (See Note 8) Clause 4: The Congress may determine the Time of choosing the Electors, and the Day on which they shall give their Votes; which Day shall be the same throughout the United States. Clause 5: No Person except a natural born Citizen, or a Citizen of the United States, at the time of the Adoption of this Constitution, shall be eligible to the Office of President; neither shall any Person be eligible to that Office who shall not have attained to the Age of thirty five Years, and been fourteen Years a Resident within the United States. Clause 6: In Case of the Removal of the President from Office, or of his Death, Resignation, or Inability to discharge the Powers and Duties of the said Office, (See Note 9) the Same shall devolve on the Vice-President, and the Congress may by Law provide for the Case of Removal, Death, Resignation or Inability, both of the President and Vice President, declaring what Officer shall then act as President, and such Officer shall act accordingly, until the Disability be removed, or a President shall be elected. Clause 7: The President shall, at stated Times, receive for his Services, a Compensation, which shall neither be increased nor diminished during the Period for which he shall have been elected, and he shall not receive within that Period any other Emolument from the United States, or any of them. Clause 8: Before he enter on the Execution of his Office, he shall take the following Oath or Affirmation:--"I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my Ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States." Section. 2. Clause 1: The President shall be Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy of the United States, and of the Militia of the several States, when called into the actual Service of the United States; he may require the Opinion, in writing, of the principal Officer in each of the executive Departments, upon any Subject relating to the Duties of their respective Offices, and he shall have Power to grant Reprieves and Pardons for Offences against the United States, except in Cases of Impeachment. Clause 2: He shall have Power, by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate, to make Treaties, provided two thirds of the Senators present concur; and he shall nominate, and by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate, shall appoint Ambassadors, other public Ministers and Consuls, Judges of the supreme Court, and all other Officers of the United States, whose Appointments are not herein otherwise provided for, and which shall be established by Law: but the Congress may by Law vest the Appointment of such inferior Officers, as they think proper, in the President alone, in the Courts of Law, or in the Heads of Departments. Clause 3: The President shall have Power to fill up all Vacancies that may happen during the Recess of the Senate, by granting Commissions which shall expire at the End of their next Session. Section. 3. He shall from time to time give to the Congress Information of the State of the Union, and recommend to their Consideration such Measures as he shall judge necessary and expedient; he may, on extraordinary Occasions, convene both Houses, or either of them, and in Case of Disagreement between them, with Respect to the Time of Adjournment, he may adjourn them to such Time as he shall think proper; he shall receive Ambassadors and other public Ministers; he shall take Care that the Laws be faithfully executed, and shall Commission all the Officers of the United States. Section. 4. The President, Vice President and all civil Officers of the United States, shall be removed from Office on Impeachment for, and Conviction of, Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors. Article. III. Section. 1. The judicial Power of the United States shall be vested in one Supreme Court and in such inferior Courts as the Congress may from time to time ordain and establish. The Judges, both of the supreme and inferior Courts, shall hold their Offices during good Behavior, and shall, at stated Times, receive for their Services, a Compensation, which shall not be diminished during their Continuance in Office. Section. 2. Clause 1: The judicial Power shall extend to all Cases, in Law and Equity, arising under this Constitution, the Laws of the United States, and Treaties made, or which shall be made, under their Authority;--to all Cases affecting Ambassadors, other public Ministers and Consuls;--to all Cases of admiralty and maritime Jurisdiction;--to Controversies to which the United States shall be a Party;--to Controversies between two or more States;--between a State and Citizens of another State; (See Note 10)--between Citizens of different States, --between Citizens of the same State claiming Lands under Grants of different States, and between a State, or the Citizens thereof, and foreign States, Citizens or Subjects. Clause 2: In all Cases affecting Ambassadors, other public Ministers and Consuls, and those in which a State shall be Party, the Supreme Court shall have original Jurisdiction. In all the other Cases before mentioned, the Supreme Court shall have appellate Jurisdiction, both as to Law and Fact, with such Exceptions, and under such Regulations as the Congress shall make. Clause 3: The Trial of all Crimes, except in Cases of Impeachment, shall be by Jury; and such Trial shall be held in the State where the said Crimes shall have been committed; but when not committed within any State, the Trial shall be at such Place or Places as the Congress may by Law have directed. Section. 3. Clause 1: Treason against the United States shall consist only in levying War against them, or in adhering to their Enemies, giving them Aid and Comfort. No Person shall be convicted of Treason unless on the Testimony of two Witnesses to the same overt Act, or on Confession in open Court. Clause 2: The Congress shall have Power to declare the Punishment of Treason, but no Attainder of Treason shall work Corruption of Blood, or Forfeiture except during the Life of the Person attainted. Article. IV. Section. 1. Full Faith and Credit shall be given in each State to the public Acts, Records, and judicial Proceedings of every other State. And the Congress may by general Laws prescribe the Manner in which such Acts, Records and Proceedings shall be proved, and the Effect thereof. Section. 2. Clause 1: The Citizens of each State shall be entitled to all Privileges and Immunities of Citizens in the several States. Clause 2: A Person charged in any State with Treason, Felony, or other Crime, who shall flee from Justice, and be found in another State, shall on Demand of the executive Authority of the State from which he fled, be delivered up, to be removed to the State having Jurisdiction of the Crime. Clause 3: No Person held to Service or Labor in one State, under the Laws thereof, escaping into another, shall, in Consequence of any Law or Regulation therein, be discharged from such Service or Labor, but shall be delivered up on Claim of the Party to whom such Service or Labor may be due. (See Note 11) Section. 3. Clause 1: New States may be admitted by the Congress into this Union; but no new State shall be formed or erected within the Jurisdiction of any other State; nor any State be formed by the Junction of two or more States, or Parts of States, without the Consent of the Legislatures of the States concerned as well as of the Congress. Clause 2: The Congress shall have Power to dispose of and make all needful Rules and Regulations respecting the Territory or other Property belonging to the United States; and nothing in this Constitution shall be so construed as to Prejudice any Claims of the United States, or of any particular State. Section. 4. The United States shall guarantee to every State in this Union a Republican Form of Government, and shall protect each of them against Invasion; and on Application of the Legislature, or of the Executive (when the Legislature cannot be convened) against domestic Violence. Article. V. The Congress, whenever two thirds of both Houses shall deem it necessary, shall propose Amendments to this Constitution, or, on the Application of the Legislatures of two thirds of the several States, shall call a Convention for proposing Amendments, which, in either Case, shall be valid to all Intents and Purposes, as Part of this Constitution, when ratified by the Legislatures of three fourths of the several States, or by Conventions in three fourths thereof, as the one or the other Mode of Ratification may be proposed by the Congress; Provided that no Amendment which may be made prior to the Year One thousand eight hundred and eight shall in any Manner affect the first and fourth Clauses in the Ninth Section of the first Article; and that no State, without its Consent, shall be deprived of its equal Suffrage in the Senate. Article. VI. Clause 1: All Debts contracted and Engagements entered into, before the Adoption of this Constitution, shall be as valid against the United States under this Constitution, as under the Confederation. Clause 2: This Constitution, and the Laws of the United States which shall be made in Pursuance thereof; and all Treaties made, or which shall be made, under the Authority of the United States, shall be the supreme Law of the Land; and the Judges in every State shall be bound thereby, any Thing in the Constitution or Laws of any State to the Contrary notwithstanding. Clause 3: The Senators and Representatives before mentioned, and the Members of the several State Legislatures, and all executive and judicial Officers, both of the United States and of the several States, shall be bound by Oath or Affirmation, to support this Constitution; but no religious Test shall ever be required as a Qualification to any Office or public Trust under the United States. Article. VII. The Ratification of the Conventions of nine States shall be sufficient for the Establishment of this Constitution between the States so ratifying the Same. done in Convention by the Unanimous Consent of the States present the Seventeenth Day of September in the Year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and Eighty seven and of the Independence of the United States of America the Twelfth In witness whereof We have hereunto subscribed our Names, THE BILL OF RIGHTS Amendments 1-10 of the Constitution ________________________________________ The Conventions of a number of the States having, at the time of adopting the Constitution, expressed a desire, in order to prevent misconstruction or abuse of its powers, that further declaratory and restrictive clauses should be added, and as extending the ground of public confidence in the Government will best insure the beneficent ends of its institution; Resolved, by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America, in Congress assembled, two-thirds of both Houses concurring, that the following articles be proposed to the Legislatures of the several States, as amendments to the Constitution of the United States; all or any of which articles, when ratified by three-fourths of the said Legislatures, to be valid to all intents and purposes as part of the said Constitution, namely: Amendment I Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances. Amendment II A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed. Amendment III 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. Amendment IV 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. Amendment V 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 offense 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. Amendment VI 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 defense. Amendment VII 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 reexamined in any court of the United States, than according to the rules of the common law. Amendment VIII Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted. Amendment IX The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people. Amendment X The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the states, are reserved to the states respectively, or to the people. |
