What does the Bill of Rights protect?

The Bill of Rights is a foundational component of the United States Constitution, specifically designed to protect individual rights and liberties against infringement by the government. This collection of the first ten amendments ensures that citizens have fundamental protections, such as freedom of speech, religion, assembly, and the right to a fair trial, among others.

The Bill of Rights was introduced to address concerns that the original Constitution did not provide enough safeguards for individual liberties. This legal framework is critical in ensuring that the government does not overreach and that the rights of individuals remain paramount. Each amendment serves to affirm various personal freedoms, creating a balance between authority and personal freedom that is essential to a democratic society.

Understanding this context is vital for anyone studying the role of government in relation to the rights of individuals, especially in the field of correctional and probation services, where these rights can frequently come into play during the administration of justice.