Iowa Constitution Article I - BILL OF RIGHTS.
Iowa Constitution – Article I: Bill of Rights
Article I of the Iowa Constitution lays out the fundamental rights and liberties guaranteed to all individuals in the state. Adopted in 1857, this article is similar to the U.S. Bill of Rights but contains provisions unique to Iowa.
🔹 Key Sections & Provisions:
Section 1 – Rights of Persons
All men and women are by nature free and equal and have inalienable rights including:
Enjoying and defending life and liberty
Acquiring, possessing, and protecting property
Pursuing and obtaining safety and happiness
Section 2 – Political Power
All political power is inherent in the people, and government is founded on their will.
Section 3 – Religion
Guarantees religious freedom; no person is compelled to attend or support any ministry. No religious test required for public office.
Section 4 – Religious Tests
Reiterates that no religious test shall be required for public office.
Section 5 – Laws Not to Disturb Religion
No law shall control or interfere with the rights of conscience.
Section 6 – All Laws of a General Nature Shall Have Uniform Operation
Guarantees equality before the law and prohibits special privileges.
Section 7 – Freedom of Speech and Press
Protects the liberty of speech and press; individuals are responsible for the abuse of that liberty.
Section 8 – Right to Assemble and Petition
People have the right to assemble peacefully and petition the government for redress.
Section 9 – Due Process and Justice
No person shall be deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process of law.
Section 10 – Rights of Persons Accused
Right to a speedy trial by an impartial jury
Right to be informed of the accusation
Right to confront witnesses and have compulsory process
Right to counsel
Section 11 – When Indictment Necessary
No person can be tried for a felony without an indictment by a grand jury unless waived.
Section 12 – Twice Tried; Bail
Protection against double jeopardy
Right to bail (except for capital offenses)
Section 13 – Habeas Corpus
The writ of habeas corpus shall not be suspended, except in cases of rebellion or invasion.
Section 14 – Military Subordinate to Civil Power
The military must always be under civil authority.
Section 15 – Quartering Soldiers
No quartering of soldiers in private homes without consent.
Section 16 – Treason
Defines treason and requires two witnesses to convict.
Section 17 – Bail; Fines; Punishment
Excessive bail and fines prohibited
Cruel and unusual punishment prohibited
Section 18 – Eminent Domain
Private property cannot be taken for public use without just compensation.
Section 19 – Imprisonment for Debt
Prohibits imprisonment for debt in most cases.
Section 20 – Right of Assemblage
Reaffirms the right to assemble and discuss public matters.
Section 21 – Attainder; Ex Post Facto Laws
Prohibits bills of attainder and ex post facto laws.
Section 22 – Rights Retained
The listing of rights in the Constitution doesn’t deny other rights retained by the people.
Section 23 – Right to Bear Arms
Recognizes the right of citizens to keep and bear arms, subject to lawful regulation.
Section 24 – Rights of Crime Victims (Added by amendment)
Ensures crime victims have rights such as notification, restitution, and protection.
📝 Summary:
Iowa’s Bill of Rights broadly protects individual freedoms, mirrors many U.S. constitutional rights, and includes additional state-specific guarantees, such as protections for crime victims and clear provisions on civil-military relations.
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