Texas Bills of Rights
Read the Texas Bill of Rights from Article I of the Texas Constitution (http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/CN/htm/CN.1.htm). Pick any of the sections from the Texas Bill of Rights What is the right that is mentioned? What does it mean (in your own words)? Find a Supreme Court case (US or Texas) dealing with the issue brought up by the right you are mentioning. What were the facts of the case? What right did the person claim they had? What was the court’s decision? And finally, do you agree with the outcome of the case and why? Be sure to include a link to the case you chose.
Sample Answer
The Texas Bill of Rights is a part of the Texas Constitution that guarantees certain fundamental rights to all Texans. It is divided into 32 sections, each of which protects a different right. Some of the most important rights protected by the Texas Bill of Rights include:
- Freedom of speech and press
- The right to bear arms
- The right to a fair trial
- The right against self-incrimination
- The right to due process of law
- The right to equal protection under the law
- The right to privacy
The Texas Bill of Rights is not absolute. The government can restrict these rights in certain cases, but only if the restriction is narrowly tailored and serves a compelling government interest.
Here is a more detailed explanation of one of the rights protected by the Texas Bill of Rights:
- Section 8: Freedom of speech and press. This section guarantees the right of all Texans to speak freely and to publish their opinions without fear of government censorship. The right to freedom of speech is essential to a free and democratic society. It allows people to express their views on important issues, to criticize the government, and to hold their elected officials accountable.