Living as a US citizen right now can feel a little up in the air. COVID-19 is hammering us from all sides, and the election is perhaps going to change everything. With street protests, riots, and everything seemingly going all over the place, many citizens are asking, what are my basic constitutional rights as a citizen of the US?
After all, anything can seemingly happen any day to anybody, so understanding these rights is a great way to make sure you’re protected from the uncertainty and you know where you stand on a core level. To help answer this head-scratching question, here’s the lowdown you need to know.
Free Speech and Rights of Expression
Free speech is such an important topic of conversation right now, ironically, so here’s what you need to know. By the First Amendment, every individual has the right to freedom of expression, free speech, free press, and the right to gather in groups and petition against the government and the laws set in the current. This is a basic US right.
Along the same lines, every individual has the right to practice any religion they want, or none at all, if that’s what they want to do.
You and the Law
Under the Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, and Eighth Amendment, there are a number of rules that will protect you whether you’re dealing with the law as an innocent citizen or as a criminal. For example, the constitution ensures you’re free from unreasonable and unwarranted searches and seizures as a citizen of the US, and you have the right to remain silent whenever you’re being apprehended.
You also have the ability and right to get counsel for your case and will be appointed a lawyer if you can’t afford one. It is also your right to have a time trial that doesn’t drag out too long and will appear in front of a jury for more extensive crimes. The constitution also ensures you won’t be subject to cruel or inhumane punishments.
The Right to Keep Guns
While you don’t have unlimited gun rights, you do have the right to keep and bear firearms as a citizen of the US. This means you’re allowed to keep guns for legal purposes, but these can vary depending on local laws to help keep other members of the public and yourself safe.
You need to make sure you get a license to carry a gun and remember this license will only be valid in the state that you get it unless otherwise stated. If you’re based in Texas, you can get your LTC in 3 steps here.
Protecting Your Civil Rights
No matter what civil case you’re dealing with, you always have the right to a specific lawyer who can help you understand the case and what your options are. Any state or country law you’re dealing with, you always have access to a lawyer to help you understand further, as guaranteed by the constitution.
Summary
It’s so important that you take time to understand your rights as an American citizen of the US. This way, you can make sure you’ll know exactly where you stand and whether what you’re doing is right or wrong.
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