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Lloyd Sealy Library
John Jay College of Criminal Justice

Bill of Rights: Specific Amendments I-V

A guide to sources that provide a history, analysis, debate, and case law associated with the Bill of Rights and its specific amendments.

Books

This page provides listings of some of the books the Library has on specific amendments. If you want a full list of books on specific amendments, click on the selected term under "Subject Headings" in each of the specific amendment boxes.

First Amendment - Freedom of Speech

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.

Subject Headings in Catalog:

 FREEDOM FORUM INSTITUTE:  In addition to our resources, you might want to browse the First Amendment Center. an organization jointly run by Vanderbilt University & the Newseum in Washington, D.C.

Second Amendment - Right to Bear Arms

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.

See also our Gun rights Subject Guide for more in-depth information.

Subject headings in Catalog:

Third Amendment - Quartering Soldiers

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.

Subject Heading in Catalog:

There isn't much on this amendment specifically. Try searching all fields using terms like billeting, quartering of soldiers, requisitions, military, third amendment or 3rd amendment

Fourth Amendment - Search and Seizure

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.

Subject headings in Catalog:

United States Constitution 4th Amendment

Searches and seizures -- United States

Fifth Amendment - Due Process, 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 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.

Subject Headings in Catalog: