Bill of Rights
Bill of Rights (legal definition): The first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution, ratified in 1791, which protect freedoms such as speech, religion and assembly, the right to keep and bear arms, protections against unreasonable searches and seizures, rights of people accused of crimes, and the right to a civil jury trial. The Bill of Rights originally limited only the federal government (Barron v. Baltimore, 32 U.S. (7 Pet.) 243 (1833)); through the Fourteenth Amendment, the Supreme Court has since applied most of its protections to the states.
What bill of rights means
Put simply, bill of rights definition is part of the working vocabulary of a civil case. The short definition above covers the usual meaning. Still, a specific rule, statute or contract can give it a narrower meaning. For that reason, check how it is used in your own documents.
Where bill of rights definition comes up
The term is used across many kinds of cases. For example, you may see it in pleadings, motions and court orders. To see it in context, browse the motions and procedures library or the Learn the Law topics.
How to research the term
Start with the primary source. For example, if bill of rights definition appears in a federal rule, read the rule itself and its official notes. After that, check your court’s local rules and any standing orders from the judge. In addition, search recent decisions from your own state or federal district. They show how courts read bill of rights definition in practice. Because state rules often differ, our state procedures guide links to each state’s official rules. Above all, make sure the version you read is still in force.
You can read the current federal court rules online for free.
Related legal terms
- Beyond a reasonable doubt: the standard of proof in criminal cases. The prosecution must prove every element of the crime to this level, which the Supreme Court held the Due Process Clause requires in In re Winship, 397 U.S. 358 (1970).
- Bid bond: a surety bond submitted with a bid on a construction contract that guarantees the bidder will enter into the contract and provide any required performance and payment bonds if its bid is accepted. Federal Acquisition Regulation rules address bid guarantees on federal construction contracts.
- Bill of attainder: a legislative act that inflicts punishment on named individuals or on easily ascertainable members of a group without a judicial trial (United States v.
- Bill of exchange: a written order by one person (the drawer) directing another (the drawee) to pay a fixed sum of money to a third person (the payee) or to bearer.
Why precise terms matter
Courts read legal terms closely. As a result, knowing the exact meaning of a word helps you follow orders, rules and filings. Each glossary entry on Lawtopolis is short on purpose and links to the pages where the term is used.
Sources
Sources last reviewed: 2026-10-24
Lawtopolis provides legal information and education, not legal advice. Using this site does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws and court rules vary by jurisdiction and change over time; verify every authority against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction about your situation.