Washington Constitution Article I - Declaration of Rights
Here is the Washington Constitution – Article I: Declaration of Rights (summary with key sections):
Article I – Declaration of Rights
This article outlines the fundamental rights guaranteed to all people within the state of Washington. It is similar to the U.S. Bill of Rights but with some additional provisions.
Section 1 – Political Power
All political power is inherent in the people, and governments derive their just powers from the consent of the governed.
Section 2 – Supreme Law of the Land
The Constitution of the United States is the supreme law of the land.
Section 3 – Personal Rights
No person shall be deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process of law.
Section 4 – Right of Petition and Assembly
The people have the right to petition the government and to assemble for the common good.
Section 5 – Freedom of Speech
Every person may freely speak, write, and publish on all subjects, being responsible for the abuse of that right.
Section 6 – Oaths and Religious Liberty
No one shall be disturbed on account of religion or religious opinions; no religious test shall be required for public office.
Section 7 – Invasion of Privacy
“No person shall be disturbed in his private affairs, or his home invaded, without authority of law.”
(This is a strong privacy protection unique to Washington.)
Section 10 – Administration of Justice
Justice in all cases shall be administered openly and without unnecessary delay.
Section 11 – Religious Freedom
Absolute freedom of conscience in religious matters is guaranteed, and no public money shall be spent on religious worship or instruction.
Section 12 – Equal Protection
The state shall not grant privileges or immunities to any citizen or class of citizens that are not equally available to all.
Section 16 – Eminent Domain
Private property shall not be taken for private use, and for public use only with just compensation.
Section 24 – Right to Bear Arms
The right of the individual citizen to bear arms in defense of self or the state shall not be impaired.
There are 35 sections in total in Article I, covering issues such as habeas corpus, bail, double jeopardy, quartering of soldiers, rights of the accused, jury trials, and others.
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