Constitution Week Spotlight

Sept. 22, 2020

Our Constitution, the cornerstone of our freedoms, was written to protect every American from the abuse of power by government.

The Fifth Amendment states, "No person shall be … deprived of life, liberty or property without due process of law,” and it protects us from double jeopardy and incrimination. However, the phrases “innocent until proven guilty" and “presumption of innocence” are not found in the Fifth Amendment nor in any part of the Constitution. These phrases are derived from English law and are considered common law today.

Did you know? George Washington served as president of the Constitutional Convention, but did not speak until the final day of the convention.

This Constitution Week Spotlight was provided by Lt. George Farragut Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution.