§1421b Bill of rights

Summary

Protects many basic rights for people in Guam. It guarantees freedom of religion, speech, the press, and the right to gather and ask the government for help. It stops soldiers from living in private homes without the owner’s consent in peacetime. It bars unreasonable searches and seizures and requires warrants based on probable cause. People cannot be tried twice for the same crime or forced to testify against themselves. No one can lose life, freedom, or property without fair legal procedures. Private property can only be taken for public use with fair payment. In criminal cases the accused must get a speedy, public trial, be told the charges, face witnesses, call witnesses, and have a lawyer. Bail, fines, and punishments must not be excessive or cruel. Slavery and forced labor are banned except as punishment after conviction. Laws that punish without trial, punish acts done before the law existed, or break contracts are forbidden. No one may be jailed for debt. The right to challenge unlawful detention may only be suspended for rebellion, invasion, or imminent danger when public safety needs it. Voters may only be required to meet citizenship, legal ability, and residence rules. No one may be denied equal protection because of race, language, or religion. A treason conviction needs either two witnesses to the same act or a confession in open court. Government money or property cannot be used to support any church or religious leader. Children under 14 may not work in jobs harmful to health or safety, and schooling is required from ages 6 to 16. No religious test may be used for public office. Anyone who advocates violent overthrow of Guam or the U.S. cannot hold public office. The following federal constitutional provisions also apply in Guam: Article I, section 9 clauses 2 and 3; Article IV, sections 1 and 2 clause 1; the 1st through 9th Amendments; the 13th Amendment; the second sentence of section 1 of the 14th Amendment; and the 15th and 19th Amendments. Laws that conflict with these rules are repealed where they clash.