English Bill of Rights

Weekly Insights for Thinkers

Science | Philosophy | Critical Thinking | History

Science • Phil • Cr. Think • Hist • …

STORY

By Michael Alan Prestwood

Wed 2 Dec 2020

Published 5 years ago.

Updated 2 years ago.

English Bill of Rights

1689

The 1689 English Bill of Rights was a precursor to our Bill of Rights and is referred to in our law. For example, it is referred to in Scalia’s Heller opinion. The bill outlined specific constitutional and civil rights and ultimately gave Parliament power over the monarchy.

The monarchy cannot rule without consent of the Parliament.
Freedom to elect members of Parliament.
Freedom of speech in Parliament.
Freedom from royal interference with the law.
Freedom to petition the king.
Freedom to bear arms for self-defense.
Freedom from cruel and unusual punishment and excessive bail.
Freedom from taxation by royal prerogative, without the agreement of Parliament.
Freedom of fines and forfeitures without a trial.
Freedom from armies being raised during peacetimes.

— map / TST —

Michael Alan Prestwood
Author & Natural Philosopher

Prestwood writes on science-first philosophy, with particular attention to the convergence of disciplines. Drawing on his TST Framework, his work emphasizes rational inquiry grounded in empirical observation while engaging questions at the edges of established knowledge. With TouchstoneTruth positioned as a living touchstone, this work aims to contribute reliable, evolving analysis in an emerging AI era where the credibility of information is increasingly contested.