|
THE DECLARATION OF RIGHTS.
|
|
|
WE, the People of the State of Maryland, grateful to Almighty God
|
|
|
for our civil and religious liberty, and taking into our serious con-
|
|
|
sideration the best means of establishing a good Constitution in
|
|
|
this State, for the sure foundation and more permanent security
|
|
|
thereof, declare:
|
|
|
ART. 1. That all government of right originates from
|
Origin and Foun-
|
|
the people, is founded in compact only, and instituted solely
|
dation of Govern-
ment
|
|
for the good of the whole; and they have at, all times, ac-
|
7 Md 147.
|
|
cording to the mode prescribed in this Constitution, the
|
1861, Res 14.
|
|
unalienable right to alter, reform, or abolish their form of
|
Right of Reform.
|
|
government, in such manner as they may deem expedient.
|
|
|
ART 2. That the people of this State ought to have the
|
State's Rights.
|
|
sole and exclusive right of regulating the internal govern-
|
|
|
ment and police thereof.
|
|
|
ART. 3 That the inhabitants of Maryland are entitled
|
Common Law
|
|
to the common law of England, and the trial by jury ac-
|
2 Md 429
Trial by Jury.
|
|
cording to the course of that law, and to the benefit of such
|
|
|
of the English statutes as existed on the fourth day of July,
|
English Statutes.
|
|
seventeen hundred and seventy-six, and which, by experience
|
|
|
have been found applicable to their local and other circum-
|
|
|
stances, and have been introduced, used and practiced by
|
|
|
the courts of law or equity, and also of all acts of Assem-
|
Acts of Assembly.
|
|
bly in force on the first Monday of November, eighteen
|
16 Md 539.
|
|
hundred and fifty, except such as may have since expired,
|
|
|
or may be altered by this Constitution, subject, nevertheless,
|
|
|
to the revision of, and amendment or repeal by the Legis-
|
1852, ch. 60.
|
|
lature of this State; and the inhabitants of Maryland are
|
do 275.
|
|
also entitled to all property derived to them from or under
|
1896, ch 220.
|
|
2
|
|
