Puerto Rico Constitution Article II - Bill of Rights
Here is the full text of Article II – Bill of Rights from the Constitution of Puerto Rico, as adopted in 1952:
ARTICLE II – BILL OF RIGHTS
Section 1. Human dignity.
The dignity of the human being is inviolable. Every person has the right to life, liberty and the enjoyment of property and may not be deprived of any of these except by means of due process of law. The laws shall guarantee the equal protection of all persons under the law.
Section 2. Laws shall guarantee freedom of religion.
No law shall be made respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof. There shall be complete separation of church and state.
Section 3. Freedom of speech and press.
No law shall be made 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.
Section 4. Peaceful assembly and petition.
No law shall be made abridging the right of the people to assemble peaceably and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.
Section 5. Unreasonable searches and seizures.
The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers and effects against unreasonable searches and seizures shall not be violated. Wire-tapping is prohibited.
Section 6. Right to vote.
The right to vote shall not be denied on account of race, color, sex, birth, social origin or condition, or political or religious ideas. The laws shall determine the requirements for voting.
Section 7. Equality before the law; discrimination.
No discrimination shall be made on account of race, color, sex, birth, social origin or condition, or political or religious ideas. The laws shall guarantee equal rights for all persons and prohibit discrimination.
Section 8. Right to protection of law.
Every person has the right to the protection of law against abusive attacks on his honor, reputation and private or family life.
Section 9. Education.
It shall be the duty of the State to provide for free and compulsory elementary education. The laws shall prescribe the standards and qualifications for education and may provide for free and public education at other levels.
Section 10. Right to assembly and association.
The people have the right to associate for any legal purpose. Secret or private organizations that are military in nature or are contrary to public order or safety are prohibited.
Section 11. Access to courts and justice.
The courts shall be open to all persons, and every person shall have a remedy by due process of law for any injury to life, liberty or property. No person shall be imprisoned for debt.
Section 12. Criminal proceedings and due process.
In all criminal prosecutions the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation, to have a copy thereof, to be confronted with the witnesses against him, to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the assistance of counsel for his defense. 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 militia. No person shall be twice put in jeopardy for the same offense. No person shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself. Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.
Section 13. Habeas corpus.
The writ of habeas corpus shall not be suspended, unless when in cases of rebellion, invasion, or imminent danger the public safety requires it.
Section 14. Prohibition of titles of nobility and special privileges.
No titles of nobility or other hereditary honors shall be granted. No law granting special privileges or immunities shall be enacted.
Section 15. Prohibition of slavery.
Slavery shall not exist and the use of forced labor shall be prohibited except for punishment of crime.
Section 16. Rights retained by the people.
The enumeration of rights shall not be construed restrictively nor shall it be understood to exclude other rights belonging to the people in a democracy.
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