THE
DECLARATION OF RIGHTS.
A Declaration of Rights made by the Representatives of the Freeman of the State of North Carolina.
Sect. 1. That all political power is vested in and derived from the people only.
Sect. 2. That the people of this State ought to have the sole and exclusive right of regulating the internal government and police thereof.
Sect. 3. That no man or set of men are entitled to exclusive or separate emoluments or privileges from the community, but in consideration of public services.
Sect. 4. That the legislative, executive, and supreme judicial powers of government, ought to be forever and distinct from each other.
Sect. 5. That all power of suspending laws, or the execution of laws, by any authority, without consent of the representatives of the people, is injurious to their rights, and ought not to be exercised.
Sect. 6. That elections of members to serve as representatives in the General Assembly, ought to be free.
Sect. 7. That in all criminal prosecutions, every man has a right to be informed of all accusation against him, and to confront the accusers and witnesses with other testimony, and shall not be compelled to give evidence against himself.
Sect. 8. That no freeman shall be put to answer any criminal charge, but by indictment, presentment, or impeachment.
Sect. 9. That no freeman shall be convicted of any crime, but by the unanimous verdict of a jury, of good and lawful men, in open court, as heretofore used.
Sect. 10. That excessive bail should not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel or unusual punishments inflicted.
