Indiana Constitution ARTICLE 1.
Indiana Constitution – Article 1: Bill of Rights
Overview:
Article 1 of the Indiana Constitution is the Bill of Rights, which outlines the fundamental rights and liberties of individuals within the state. It mirrors and expands upon protections found in the U.S. Constitution, emphasizing liberty, justice, and the rule of law.
🔹 Key Sections of Article 1:
Section 1 – Inherent Rights:
All people are born equally free and have natural rights, including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
Section 2 – Right to Worship:
Every person has the right to worship God according to the dictates of their own conscience.
Section 3 – Freedom of Religious Opinion:
No law shall control or interfere with religious opinions or rights of conscience.
Section 4 – No Religious Test for Office:
No religious test shall be required to hold public office.
Section 6 – No Public Money for Religious Institutions:
Public funds cannot be used to support any religious group or institution.
Section 9 – Freedom of Speech and Press:
Every person may freely speak, write, and publish their views, being responsible for the abuse of that right.
Section 11 – Unreasonable Search and Seizure:
Protects against unreasonable searches and seizures; warrants must be supported by probable cause.
Section 12 – Right to Remedy by Due Course of Law:
Every person is entitled to remedy by law for injury to person, property, or reputation.
Section 13 – Rights of the Accused in Criminal Prosecutions:
Right to a public trial, to be informed of charges, to confront witnesses, and to counsel.
Section 16 – Proportional Punishment and Bail:
Prohibits excessive fines and cruel and unusual punishments; ensures bail rights.
Section 17 – Right to Jury Trial:
Guarantees the right to a trial by jury in civil cases as well as criminal.
Section 21 – Compensation for Property Taken:
Private property shall not be taken for public use without just compensation.
Section 24 – Ex Post Facto Laws and Contracts:
No ex post facto laws or laws impairing the obligation of contracts shall be passed.
Section 31 – Right to Bear Arms:
The people shall have the right to bear arms for defense of themselves and the state.
Section 32 – Standing Army:
No standing army shall be kept in peacetime without legislative approval.
✅ Summary:
Article 1 of Indiana’s Constitution is a powerful affirmation of individual rights, with strong protections for freedom of religion, speech, due process, property rights, and the right to bear arms. It serves as the state's guarantee of civil liberties, often interpreted alongside the U.S. Bill of Rights.
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