Malkyeri Constitution

Malkyeri Declaration of Rights

Introduction

Malkyer has no written constitution, unlike many other nations. Rather, the rights deemed essential for human liberty and human dignity are outlined in the Malkyeri Declaration of Rights, which is the only official document limiting governmental power in the Imperial Commonwealth. The Declaration drew influence from the American Bill of Rights, and the right outlined within the two documents are similar.

Declaration of Rights [Original Text]

Preamble. The People of the Kingdom* do hereby enumerate the following as rights essential to preserving liberty and dignity within the boundaries of the state of Malkyer. No citizen shall be restricted these rights based on religion, political belief, or sex*.

First Being necessary to the security of a Free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.

Second Niether the King nor Parliament shall make any law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

Third The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized. No soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the owner.

Fourth No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offence to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation. In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the Assistance of Counsel for his defence.

Fifth Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.

Sixth Neither Slavery, nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the Kingdom of Malkyer, or any place subject to their jurisdiction. Parliament shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation.

Amendments to the Declaration

• The full national name is now The Imperial Commonwealth of Malkyer, rather than The Kingdom of Malkyer.
• Amended in 1845 to include race in the list of characteristics by which citizens are not to be restricted the rights outline in the document.