                CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE OF CONNECTICUT

                                 PREAMBLE

     The people of the State of Connecticut acknowledging with gratitude, the 
good providence of God,  in having permitted them to enjoy a free government; 
do,  in  order  more  effectually  to  define,  secure,  and  perpetuate  the 
liberties,   rights  and  privileges  which  they  have  derived  from  their 
ancestors;  hereby,  after  a careful consideration and revision,  ordain and 
establish the following constitution and form of civil government.

                              ARTICLE FIRST

                          DECLARATION OF RIGHTS

     That  the great and essential principles of liberty and free  government 
may be recognized and established.

                               WE DECLARE

Section  1.    All men when they form a social compact,  are equal in rights; 
and  no  man  or set of men are entitled to exclusive  public  emoluments  or 
privileges from the community.

Section  2.    All  political power is inherent in the people,  and all  free 
governments are founded on their authority, and instituted for their benefit; 
and  they  have  at all times an undeniable and indefeasible right  to  alter 
their form of government in such manner as they may think expedient.

Section 3.    The exercise and enjoyment of religious profession and worship, 
without  discrimination,  shall forever be free to all persons in the  state; 
provided,  that  the right hereby declared and established,  shall not be  so 
construed  as  to  excuse acts of licentiousness,  or  to  justify  practices 
inconsistent with the peace and safety of the state.

Section 4.   Every citizen may freely speak, write and publish his sentiments 
on  all  subjects,  being responsible for the abuse of that  liberty.  (NOTE: 
formerly Section 5. Section 4. read,  "No preference shall be given by law to 
any Christian sect or mode of worship)

Section  5.    No law shall ever be passed to curtail or restrain the liberty 
of speech or of the press.

Section 6.   In all prosecutions or indictments for libels,  the truth may be 
given in evidence, and the jury shall have the right to determine the law and 
the facts, under the direction of the court.

Section 7.   The people shall be secure in their persons, houses,  papers and 
possessions from unreasonable searches or seizures;  and no warrant to search 
any place,  or to seize any person or things,  shall issue without describing 
them  as  nearly as may be,  nor without probable cause supported by oath  or 
affirmation.

Section 8.   In all criminal prosecutions,  the accused shall have a right to 
be heard by himself and by counsel; to be informed of the nature and cause of 
the  accusation;  to  be  confronted by the witnesses against  him;  to  have 
compulsory process to obtain witnesses in his behalf;  to be released on bail 
upon  sufficient  security,  except in capital offences,  where the proof  is 
evident  or the presumption great;  and in all prosecutions by indictment  or 
information,  to a speedy public trial by an impartial jury.  No person shall 
be  compelled  to  give evidence against himself,  nor be deprived  of  life, 
liberty  or property without due process of law,  nor shall excessive bail be 
required  nor excessive fines imposed.  No person shall be held to answer for 
any crime, punishable by death or life imprisonment,  unless on a presentment 
or  an  indictment of a grand jury,  except in the armed forces,  or  in  the 
militia when in actual service in time of war or public danger.

Section  9.    No person shall be arrested,  detained or punished,  except in 
cases clearly warranted by law.

Section 10.  All courts shall be open,  and every person,  for an injury done 
to him in his person, property or reputation, shall have remedy by due course 
of law, and right and justice administered without sale, denial or delay.

Section 11.   The property of no person shall be taken for public use without 
just compensation therefor.

Section  12.   The  privileges  of  the writ of habeas corpus  shall  not  be 
suspended, unless,  when in case of rebellion or invasion,  the public safety 
may require it; nor in any case, but by the legislature.

Section  13.   No  person  shall be attainted of treason or  felony,  by  the 
legislature.

Section 14.   The citizens have a right,  in a peaceable manner,  to assemble 
for  their  common good,  and to apply to those invested with the  powers  of 
government, for redress of grievances, or other proper purposes, by petition, 
address or remonstrance.

Section 15.  Every citizen has a right to bear arms in defense of himself and 
the state. 

Section 16.  The military shall, in all cases, and at all times, be in strict 
subordination to the civil power.

Section 17.  No soldier shall,  in time of peace,  be quartered in any house, 
without the consent of the owner;  nor in time of war,  but in a manner to be 
prescribed by law.

Section 18.   No hereditary emoluments,  privileges or honors,  shall ever be 
granted, or conferred in this state.

Section 19.  The right of trial by jury shall remain inviolate. 

Section 20.  No person shall be denied the equal protection of the law nor be 
subjected  to  segregation or discrimination in the exercise or enjoyment  of 
his civil or political rights because of religion, race,  color,  ancestry or 
national origin.

