§1421b Bill of Rights

Summary

Protects basic rights in Guam and applies many parts of the U.S. Constitution there. It bans laws that set up an official religion or stop people from practicing religion. It protects free speech, the press, peaceful assembly, and the right to ask the government to fix problems. Soldiers cannot be housed in private homes in peacetime without the owner’s consent, and only as the law allows in war. People are protected from unreasonable searches and seizures; police need a sworn, detailed warrant based on good reason. No one can be tried twice for the same crime or forced to testify against themselves. No one may lose life, liberty, or property without fair legal process, and private property taken for public use must be paid for. In criminal cases the accused have the right to a speedy, public trial, to know the charges and get a copy, to face witnesses, to get witnesses for their defense, and to have a lawyer. Bail, fines, and punishments must not be excessive or cruel. Slavery and forced labor are banned except as criminal punishment. Laws that punish people retroactively or impair contracts are forbidden, and no one can be jailed for debt. The right to challenge detention (habeas corpus) stays except in rebellion, invasion, or imminent danger to public safety. Voting rules may only use citizenship, civil capacity, and residence. No one may be discriminated against for race, language, or religion. Treason convictions require two witnesses to the same overt act or a confession in open court. Public money cannot be used to support religious groups or clergy. Children under 14 cannot work in jobs dangerous to health or life. School is required for ages 6 through 16. No religious test may be required for public office, and anyone who advocates violent overthrow of Guam or the U.S. cannot hold public office. The following provisions of and amendments to the Constitution of the United States are extended to Guam: article I, section 9, clauses 2 and 3; article IV, section 1 and section 2, clause 1; the first to ninth amendments inclusive; the thirteenth amendment; the second sentence of section 1 of the fourteenth amendment; and the fifteenth and nineteenth amendments. Federal and local laws that conflict with these rules are repealed to the extent of the conflict.