This constitution was done by Marcy Wilson It is ready to go. JW 2/21/05 *** CSTART MS 1/07/1861 12/01/1868 *** CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI. *** ASTART 001.0 MS 1861 *** ARTICLE I. DECLARATION OF RIGHTS . That the general, great and essential principles of liberty and free government may be recognized and established, WE DECLARE: *** SSTART 001.0 001.0 0 MS 1861 *** SEC. 1. That all freemen, when they form a social compact, are equal in rights; and that no men, or set of men, are entitled to exclusive, separate public emoluments or privileges from the community, but in consideration of pubic services. *** SEND *** *** SSTART 002.0 001.0 0 MS 1861 *** SEC. 2. That all political power is inherent in the people, and all free governments are founded on their authority and established for their benefit; and, therefore, they have, at all times, an inalienable and indefensible right to alter or abolish their form of government in such manner as they may think expedient. *** SEND *** *** SSTART 003.0 001.0 0 MS 1861 *** SEC. 3. The exercise and enjoyment of religious profession and worship, without discrimination, shall forever be free to all persons in this State: Provided, That the right hereby declared and established shall not be so construed as to excuse the acts of licentiousness; or justify practices inconsistent with the peace and safety of the State. *** SEND *** *** SSTART 004.0 001.0 0 MS 1861 *** SEC. 4. No preference shall ever be given by the law to any religious sect or mode of worship. *** SEND *** *** SSTART 005.0 001.0 0 MS 1861 *** SEC. 5. That no person shall be molested for his opinions on any subject whatever, nor suffer any civil or political incapacity, or acquire any civil or political advantage in consequence of such opinions, except in cases provided for in this constitution. *** SEND *** *** SSTART 006.0 001.0 0 MS 1861 *** SEC. 6. Every citizen may freely speak, write and publish his sentiments on all subjects, being responsible for the abuse of that liberty. *** SEND *** *** SSTART 007.0 001.0 0 MS 1861 *** SEC. 7. No law shall every be passed to curtail or restrain the liberty of speech or of the press. *** SEND *** *** SSTART 008.0 001.0 0 MS 1861 *** SEC. 8. In all prosecutions or indictments for libel, the truth may be given in evidence; and if it shall appear to the jury that the matter charged as libelous is true, and was published with good motives and for justifiable ends, the party shall be acquitted; and the jury shall have the right to determine the law and the facts. *** SEND *** *** SSTART 009.0 001.0 0 MS 1861 *** SEC. 9. That the people shall be secure in their persons, houses, papers and possessions, for unreasonable seizures and searches; and that no warrant to search any place, or to seize any person or thing, shall issue without describing the place to be searched, and the person or thing to be seized, as nearly as may be, nor without probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation. *** SEND *** *** SSTART 010.0 001.0 0 MS 1861 *** SEC. 10. That in all criminal prosecutions, the accused hath a right to be heard by himself, or counsel, or both; to demand the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted by the witnesses against him; to have a compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor; and, in all prosecutions, by indictment or information, a speedy and public trial by an impartial jury of the country where the offence was committed; that he cannot be compelled to give evidence against himself; nor can he be deprived of his life, liberty or property, but by due course of law. *** SEND *** *** SSTART 011.0 001.0 0 MS 1861 *** SEC. 11. No person shall be accused, arrested, or detained, except in cases ascertained by law, and according to the form which the same has proscribed; and no person shall be punished but in virtue of a law established and promulgated prior to the offence, and legally applied. *** SEND *** *** SSTART 012.0 001.0 0 MS 1861 *** SEC. 12. That no person shall, for an indictable offence, be proceeded against criminally by information, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the militia, when in actual service, or by leave of the court, for misdemeanor in office. *** SEND *** *** SSTART 013.0 001.0 0 MS 1861 *** SEC. 13. No person shall, for the same offence, be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall any person's property be taken or applied to public use without the consent of the Legislature, and without just compensation being first made therefor. *** SEND *** *** SSTART 014.0 001.0 0 MS 1861 *** SEC. 14. That all courts shall open, and every person, for an injury done him in his lands, goods, person or reputation, shall have remedy by due course of law, and right and justice administered without sale, denial or delay. *** SEND *** *** SSTART 015.0 001.0 0 MS 1861 *** SEC. 15. That no power of suspending laws shall be exercised except by the Legislature or its authority. *** SEND *** *** SSTART 016.0 001.0 0 MS 1861 *** SEC. 16. That excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel punishment inflicted. *** SEND *** *** SSTART 017.0 001.0 0 MS 1861 *** SEC. 17. That all prisoners shall before conviction, be bailable by sufficient securities, except for capital offences, where the proof is evident , or the presumption grat; and the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus shall not be suspended, unless, when in a case of rebellion or invasion, the public safety may require it. *** SEND *** *** SSTART 018.0 001.0 0 MS 1861 *** SEC. 18. That the person of a debtor, when there is not strong presumption of fraud, shall not be detained in prison after delivering up his estate for the benefit of his creditors, in such a manner as shall be prescribed by law. *** SEND *** *** SSTART 019.0 001.0 0 MS 1861 *** SEC. 19. No conviction for any offence shall work corruption of blood or forfeiture of estate; the Legislature shall pass no bill of attainder, ex post facto law, nor law for impairing the obligation of contracts. *** SEND *** *** SSTART 020.0 001.0 0 MS 1861 *** SEC 20. No property qualification for eligibility o office, or for the right of suffrage, shall ever be required by the law in this State. *** SEND *** *** SSTART 021.0 001.0 0 MS 1861 *** SEC. 21. That the estates of suicides shall descend or vest us in cases of natural death; and if any person shall be killed by casuality, there shall be no forfeiture by reason thereof. *** SEND *** *** SSTART 022.0 001.0 0 MS 1861 *** SEC. 22. That the citizens have a right, in a peaceable manner, to assemble together for their common good; and to apply to those invested with the powers of government for redress of grievances, or other purposes, by petition, address or remonstrance. *** SEND *** *** SSTART 023.0 001.0 0 MS 1861 *** SEC. 23. Every citizen has a right to bear arms in defence of himself and of the State. *** SEND *** *** SSTART 024.0 001.0 0 MS 1861 *** SEC. 24. No standing army shall be kept up without the consent of the Legislature; and the military shall, in all cases and at all times, be in strict subordination to the civil power. *** SEND *** *** SSTART 025.0 001.0 0 MS 1861 *** SEC. 25. That no soldier shall, in time or peace, be quartered in any house without the consent of the owner, or in time of war, but in the manner to be prescribed by law. *** SEND *** *** SSTART 026.0 001.0 0 MS 1861 *** SEC. 26. That no hereditary emoluments, privileges or honors shall ever be granted or conferred in this State. *** SEND *** *** SSTART 027.0 001.0 0 MS 1861 *** SEC. 27. Emigration from this State shall not be prohibited, nor shall any free white citizen of this State ever be exiled under any pretence whatever. *** SEND *** *** SSTART 028.0 001.0 0 MS 1861 *** SEC. 28. The right of trial by jury shall remain inviolate. *** SEND *** *** SSTART 029.0 001.0 0 MS 1861 *** SEC. 29. No person shall be debarred from prosecuting or defending any civil cause for or against him or herself, before any tribunal of this State, by him or herself or counsel, or both. *** SEND *** *** SSTART 030.0 001.0 0 MS 1861 *** SEC. 30. No person shall every be appointed or elected to any office in this State for life or during good behavior; but the tenure of all offices shall good behavior; but the tenure of all offices shall be for some limited period of time, if the person appointed or elected thereto shall so long behave well. *** SEND *** *** SSTART 031.0 001.0 0 MS 1861 *** CONCLUSION. To guard against transgressions of the high powers herein delegated, WE DECLARE that everything in this article is excepted out of the general powers of government, and shall forever remain inviolate and that all laws contrary thereto, or to the following provisions shall be void. *** SEND *** *** AEND *** *** ASTART 002.0 MS 1861 *** ARTICLE II. DISTRIBUTION OF POWERS. *** SSTART 001.0 002.0 0 MS 1861 *** SEC. 1. The powers of the government of the State of Mississippi shall be divided into three distinct departments, and each of them confided to a separate body of magistracy, to-wit: those which are legislative to one, those which are judicial to another, and those which are executive to another. *** SEND *** *** SSTART 002.0 002.0 0 MS 1861 *** SEC. 2. No person, or collection of persons, being of one of those departments, shall exercise any power properly belonging to either of the others, except in the instances hereinafter expressly directed or permitted. *** SEND *** *** AEND *** *** ASTART 003.0 MS 1861 *** ARTICLE III. LEGISLATIVE DEPARTMENT. *** SSTART 001.0 003.0 0 MS 1861 *** SEC. 1. Every free white male person of the age of twenty-one years or upwards, who shall be a citizen of the Confederate States of America, and shall have resided in this State one year next preceeding an election, and the last months within the county, city or town, in which he offers to vote, shall be deemed a qualified elector; and any such qualified elector, who may happen to be in any county, city or town, other than that of his residence, at the time of an election, or who shall have removed to any county, city or town within four months preceeding the election, from any county, city or town, in which he would have been a qualified elector had he not so removed may vote for any State or district officer, or member of Congress, for whom he could have voted in the county of his residence, or the county, city or town from which he may have so removed. *** SEND *** *** SSTART 002.0 003.0 0 MS 1861 *** SEC. 2. Electors shall, in all cases except in those of treason, felony, or breach of the peace, be privileged from arrest during their attendance on elections, and going and returning from the same. *** SEND *** *** SSTART 003.0 003.0 0 MS 1861 *** SEC 3. The first elections shall be by ballot, and all future elections by the people shall be regulated by law. *** SEND *** *** SSTART 004.0 003.0 0 MS 1861 *** SEC. 4. The legislative powers of this State shall be vested in two distinct branches: the one to be styled "the Senate," the other, "the House of Representatives," and both together "the Legislature of the State of Mississippi:" and the style of their laws shall be, "Be it enacted by the Legislature of the State of Mississippi." *** SEND *** *** SSTART 005.0 003.0 0 MS 1861 *** SEC. 5. The members of the House of Representatives shall be chosen by the qualified electors, and shall serve for the term of two years, from the day of the commencement of the general election, and no longer. *** SEND *** *** SSTART 006.0 003.0 0 MS 1861 *** SEC. 6. The representatives shall be chosen every two years, on the first Monday and day following in November. *** SEND *** *** SSTART 007.0 003.0 0 MS 1861 *** SEC. 7. No person shall be a representative unless he be a citizen of the Confederate States of America, and shall have been an inhabitant of this State two years next preceeding his election, and the last year thereof a resident of the county, city or town for which he shall be chosen, and shall have attained the age of twenty-one years. *** SEND *** *** SSTART 008.0 003.0 0 MS 1861 *** SEC. 8. Elections for representatives for the several counties shall be held at the places of holding their respective courts, or in the several election districts into which the county may be divided; Provided, that when it shall appear to the legislature that any city or town has a number of free white inhabitants equal to the ratio then fixed, such city or town shall contain a number of free white inhabitants equal to the existing ratio, and thereafter, and during the existence of the right of separate representation in such city or town, elections for the county in which such city or town, entitled to separate representation, is situated, shall not be held in such city or town: And provided, that if the residuum or fraction of any city or town, entitled to separate representation, shall, when added to the residuum in the county in which it may lie, be equal to the ratio fixed by law for one representative, then the aforesaid county, city or town, having the largest residuum, shall be entitled to such representations: And provided, also, That when there are two or more counties adjoining, which have residuums over and above the ratio then fixed by law if such residuums, when added together, will amount to such ratio, in that case one representative shall be added to the county having the largest residuum. *** SEND *** *** SSTART 009.0 003.0 0 MS 1861 *** SEC. 9. The Legislature shall, at their first session, and at periods of not less than every four, nor more than every six years, until the year 1845, and thereafter at periods of not less than every four nor more then every eight years, cause an enumeration to be made of all the free white inhabitants of this State, and the whole number of representatives shall at the several periods of making such enumeration, be fixed by the Legislature and apportioned among the several counties, cities or towns entitled to separate representation, according to the number of free white inhabitants in each, and shall not be less than thirty-six nor more than one hundred: Provided, however, That each county shall always be entitled to at least one representative. *** SEND *** *** SSTART 010.0 003.0 0 MS 1861 *** SEC. 10. The whole number of senators shall, at the several periods of making the enumeration before mentioned, be fixed by the Legislature, and apportioned among the several districts to be established by law, according to the number of free white inhabitants in each, and shall never be less than one-fourth nor more than one-third of the whole number of representatives. *** SEND *** *** SSTART 011.0 003.0 0 MS 1861 *** SEC. 11. The Senators shall b chosen by the qualified electors for four years, and on their being convened in consequence of the first election, they shall be divided by lot from their respective districts into two classes, as nearly equal as can be, and the seats of the senators of the first class shall be vacated at the expiration of the second year. *** SEND *** *** SSTART 012.0 003.0 0 MS 1861 *** SEC. 12. Such mode of classifying new additional senators shall be observed as will as nearly as possible preserve an equality of members in each class. *** SEND *** *** SSTART 013.0 003.0 0 MS 1861 *** SEC. 13. When a senatorial district shall be composed of two of more counties, it shall not be entirely separated by any county belonging to another district, and no county shall be divided in forming a district. *** SEND *** *** SSTART 014.0 003.0 0 MS 1861 *** SEC. 14. No person shall be a senator unless he be a citizen of, the Confederate States of America and shall have been an inhabitant of this State for four years next preceding his election, and the last year thereof a resident of the district for which he shall be chosen, and have attained the age of thirty years. *** SEND *** *** SSTART 015.0 003.0 0 MS 1861 *** SEC. 15. The House of Representatives, when assembled, shall choose a speaker and its other officers, and the Senate shall choose a president and its officers, and each house shall judge of the qualifications and elections of its own members, but a contested election shall be determined in such manner as shall be directed by law. A majority of each house shall constitute a quorum to do business, but a smaller number may adjourn from day to day, and may compel the attendance of absent members, in such manner and under such penalties as each house may provide. *** SEND *** *** SSTART 016.0 003.0 0 MS 1861 *** SEC. 16. Each house may determine the rules of its own proceedings, punish members for disorderly behavior, and, with the consent of two-thirds, expel a member, but not a second time for the same cause; and shall have all other powers necessary for a branch of the legislature of a free and independent State. *** SEND *** *** SSTART 017.0 003.0 0 MS 1861 *** SEC. 17. Each house shall keep a journal of its proceedings, and publish the same; and the yeas and nays of the members of either house, on any question shall, at the desire of any three members present, be entered on the journal. *** SEND *** *** SSTART 018.0 003.0 0 MS 1861 *** SEC. 18. When vacancies happen in either house, the Governor, or the person exercising the powers of the Governor, shall issue writs of elections to fill such vacancies. *** SEND *** *** SSTART 019.0 003.0 0 MS 1861 *** SEC. 19. Senators ad Representatives shall in all cases, except of treason, felony, or breach of the peace, be privileged from arrest during the session of the legislature, and in going to and returning from the same, allowing one day for every twenty miles such member may reside from the place at which the legislature is convened. *** SEND *** *** SSTART 020.0 003.0 0 MS 1861 *** SEC. 20. Each house may punish, by imprisonment during the session, any person, not a member, for disrespectful or disorderly behavior in its presence, or for obstructing any of its proceedings: Provided, such imprisonment shall not, at any one time, exceed forty-eight hours. *** SEND *** *** SSTART 021.0 003.0 0 MS 1861 *** SEC. 21. The doors of each house shall be open, except on such occasions of great emergency as, in the opinion of the house, may require secrecy. *** SEND *** *** SSTART 022.0 003.0 0 MS 1861 *** SEC. 22. Neither house shall, without the consent of the other, adjourn for more than three days, nor to any other place than that in which they may be sitting. *** SEND *** *** SSTART 023.0 003.0 0 MS 1861 *** SEC. 23. Bills may originate in either house, and be amended, altered or rejected by the other, but no bill shall have the force of a law until, on three several days, it be read in each house, and free discussion be allowed thereon, unless four-fifths of the house in which the bill shall be pending may deem it expedient to dispense with this rule; and every bill, having passed both houses, shall be signed by the speaker and president of their respective houses. *** SEND *** *** SSTART 024.0 003.0 0 MS 1861 *** SEC. 24. All bills for raising revenue shall originate in the House of Representatives, but the Senate may amend or reject them, as other bills. *** SEND *** *** SSTART 025.0 003.0 0 MS 1861 *** SEC. 25. Each member of the legislature shall receive, from the public treasury, a compensation for his services, which may be increased or diminished by law, but no increase of compensation shall take effect during the session at which such increase shall have been made. *** SEND *** *** SSTART 026.0 003.0 0 MS 1861 *** SEC. 26. No senator or representative shall, during the term for which he shall have been elected, nor for one year thereafter, be appointed to any civil office of profit under the State, which shall have been created, or the emoluments of which shall have been increased during such term, except such offices as may be filled by elections by the people; and no member of either house, of the legislature shall, after the commencement of the first session of the legislature after his election, and during the remainder of the term for which he is elected, be eligible to any office or place, the appointment to which may be made, in whole or in part, by either branch of the legislature. *** SEND *** *** SSTART 027.0 003.0 0 MS 1861 *** SEC. 27. No judge of any court of law or equity, secretary of state, attorney-general, clerk of any court of record, sheriff or collector, or any person holding a lucrative office under the laws of the Confederate States of America, or of this State, shall be eligible to the legislature: Provided, That officers in the militia, to which there is attached no annual salary, and the office of the justice of the peace, shall not be deemed lucrative. *** SEND *** *** SSTART 028.0 003.0 0 MS 1861 *** SEC. 28. No person who has heretofore, or hereafter, been a collector or holder of public moneys, shall have a seat in either house of the legislature until such person shall have accounted for, and paid into the treasury, all sums for which he may be accountable. *** SEND *** *** SSTART 029.0 003.0 0 MS 1861 *** SEC. 29. The first election for senators and representatives shall be general throughout the State, and shall be held on the first Monday, and day following, in November, 1833; and thereafter there shall be biennial elections for senators to fill the places of those whose term of service may have expired. *** SEND *** *** SSTART 030.0 003.0 0 MS 1861 *** SEC. 30. The first and all future sessions of the legislature shall be held in the town of Jackson, in the county of Hinds, until the year 1850. During the first session thereafter, the legislature shall have power to designate, by law, the permanent seat of government: Provided, however, That unless such designation be then made by law, the seat of government shall continue permanently at the town of Jackson. The first session shall commence on the third Monday in November, in the year 1833; and in every two years thereafter, at such time as may be prescribed by law. *** SEND *** *** SSTART 031.0 003.0 0 MS 1861 *** SEC. 31. The governor, secretary of state, treasurer, auditor of public accounts and attorney- general shall reside at the seat of government. *** SEND *** *** AEND *** *** ASTART 004.0 MS 1861 *** ARTICLE IV. JUDICIAL DEPARTMENT. *** SSTART 001.0 004.0 0 MS 1861 *** SEC. 1. The judicial power of the State shall be vested in one high court of errors and appeals, and such other courts of law and equity as are hereafter provided for in this constitution. *** SEND *** *** SSTART 002.0 004.0 0 MS 1861 *** SEC. 2. The high court of errors and appeals shall consist of three judges, any two of whom shall form a quorum. The legislature shall divide the State into three districts, and the qualified electors of each district shall elect one of said judges for the term of six years. *** SEND *** *** SSTART 003.0 004.0 0 MS 1861 *** SEC. 3. The office of one of said judges shall be vacated in two years, and one in four years, and one in six years so that, at the expiration of every two years, one of said judges shall be elected, as aforesaid. *** SEND *** *** SSTART 004.0 004.0 0 MS 1861 *** SEC. 4. The high court of errors and appeals shall have no jurisdiction but such as properly belongs to a court of errors and appeals. *** SEND *** *** SSTART 005.0 004.0 0 MS 1861 *** SEC. 5. All vacancies that may occur in said court, from death, resignation, or removal, shall be filled by election as aforesaid: Provided, however, That if the unexpired term do not exceed one year, the vacancy shall be filled by executive appointment. *** SEND *** *** SSTART 006.0 004.0 0 MS 1861 *** SEC. 6. No person shall be eligible to the office of judge of the high court of errors and apeals, who shall not have attained, at the tie of his election, the age of thirty years. *** SEND *** *** SSTART 007.0 004.0 0 MS 1861 *** SEC. 7. The high court of errors and appeals shall be held twice in each year, at such place as the legislature shall direct, until the year eighteen hundred and thirty-six, and afterwards at te seat of government of the State. *** SEND *** *** SSTART 008.0 004.0 0 MS 1861 *** SEC. 8. The secretary of state, on receiving all the official returns of the first election, shall proceed forthwith, in the presence and with the assistance of two justices of the peace, to determine, by lot, among the three candidates having the highest number of votes, which of said judges shall serve for the term of two years, which shall serve for the term of two years, which shall serve for the term of four years, and which shall serve for the term of six years; and, having so determined the same, it shall be the duty of the governor to issue commissions accordingly. *** SEND *** *** SSTART 009.0 004.0 0 MS 1861 *** SEC. 9. No judge shall sit on the trial of any cause when the parties or either of them shall be connected with him by affinity or consanguinity, or when he may be interested in the same, except by the consent of the judge and of the parties; and whenever a quorum of said court are situated as aforesaid, the Governor of the state shall in such case especially commission two or more men of law knowledge, for the determination thereof. *** SEND *** *** SSTART 010.0 004.0 0 MS 1861 *** SEC. 10. The judges of said court shall receive for their services a compensation to be fixed by law, which shall not be diminished during their continuance in office. *** SEND *** *** SSTART 011.0 004.0 0 MS 1861 *** SEC. 11. The judges of the circuit court shall be elected by the qualified electors of each judicial district, and hold their offices for the term of four years, and reside in their respective districts. *** SEND *** *** SSTART 012.0 004.0 0 MS 1861 *** SEC. 12. No person shall be eligible to the office of judge of the circuit court, who shall not at the time of his election have attained the age of twenty-six years. *** SEND *** *** SSTART 013.0 004.0 0 MS 1861 *** SEC. 13. The State shall be divided into convenient districts, and each district shall contain not less than three nor more than twelve counties. *** SEND *** *** SSTART 014.0 004.0 0 MS 1861 *** SEC. 14. The circuit courts shall have original jurisdiction in all matters, civil and criminal, within this State; but in civil cases only when the principal of the sum in controversy exceeds fifty dollars. *** SEND *** *** SSTART 015.0 004.0 0 MS 1861 *** SEC. 15. A circuit court shall be held in each county of this State at least twice in each year; and the judges of said court shall interchange circuits with each other in such manner as may be prescribed by law, and shall receive for their services a compensation to be fixed by law, which shall not be diminished during their continuance in office. *** SEND *** *** SSTART 016.0 004.0 0 MS 1861 *** SEC. 16. A separate superior court of chancery shall be established, with full jurisdiction in all matters of equity: Provided, however, The legislature may give to the circuit courts of each county equity jurisdiction, in all cases where the value of the thing or the amount in controversy does not exceed five hundred dollars; also in all cases of divorce, and for the foreclosure of mortgages. The chancellor shall be elected by the qualified electors of the whole State, for the term of six years, and shall be at least thirty years old at the time of his election. *** SEND *** *** SSTART 017.0 004.0 0 MS 1861 *** SEC. 17. The style of all process shall be "The State of Mississippi," and all the prosecutions shall be carried on in the name and by the authority of "The State of Mississippi," and shall conclude, "against the peace and dignity of the same." *** SEND *** *** SSTART 018.0 004.0 0 MS 1861 *** SEC. 18. A court of probates shall be established in each county of the State, with jurisdictions in all matters testamentary, and of administration in orphans' business, and the allotment of dower, in cases of idiocy and lunacy and of persons non compos mentis. The judge of said court shall be elected by the qualified electors of the respective counties, for the term of two years. *** SEND *** *** SSTART 019.0 004.0 0 MS 1861 *** SEC. 19. The clerk of the high court of errors and appeals shall be appointed by the said court, for the term of four years; and the clerks of the probate and other inferior courts, shall be elected by the qualified electors of the respective counties, and shall hold their offices for the term of two years. *** SEND *** *** SSTART 020.0 004.0 0 MS 1861 *** SEC. 20. The qualified electors of each county shall elect five persons, for the term of two years, who shall constitute a board of police for each county, a majority of whom may transact business; which body shall have full jurisdiction over roads, highways, ferries and bridges, and all other matters of county police; and shall order all county elections to fill the vacancies that may occur in the offices of their respective counties. The clerk of the court of probate shall be the clerk of the board of police. *** SEND *** *** SSTART 021.0 004.0 0 MS 1861 *** SEC. 21. No person shall be eligible as a member of said board, who shall not have resided one year in the county; but this qualification shall not extend to such new counties as may hereafter be established, until one year after their organization; and all vacancies that ay occur, in said board shall be supplied by election as aforesaid to fill the unexpired term. *** SEND *** *** SSTART 022.0 004.0 0 MS 1861 *** SEC. 22. The judges of all the courts of this State, and also the members of the board of the county police, shall in virtue of their offices, be conservators of the peace, and shall be by law, vested with ample powers in this respect. *** SEND *** *** SSTART 023.0 004.0 0 MS 1861 *** SEC. 23. A competent number of justices of the peace and constables shall be chosen in each county by the qualified electors thereof, by districts, who shall hold their offices for the term of two years; the jurisdiction of justice of the peace shall be limited to causes in which the principal of the same amount in controversy shall not exceed fifty dollars; in all causes tried by justices of the peace, the right of appeal shall be secured, under such rules and regulations as shall be prescribed by law. *** SEND *** *** SSTART 024.0 004.0 0 MS 1861 *** SEC. 24. The Legislature may, from time to time establish such other inferior courts as may be deemed necessary, and abolish the same whenever they deem it expedient. *** SEND *** *** SSTART 025.0 004.0 0 MS 1861 *** SEC. 25. There shall be an Attorney General elected by the qualified electors of the State, and a competent number of district attorneys shall be elected by the qualified voters of their respective districts; whose compensation and term of service shall be prescribed by law. *** SEND *** *** SSTART 026.0 004.0 0 MS 1861 *** SEC. 26. The legislature shall provide, by law, for determining contested elections of judges of the high court of errors ad appeals, of the circuit and probate courts, and other officers. *** SEND *** *** SSTART 027.0 004.0 0 MS 1861 *** SEC. 27. The judges of the several courts of this State, for wilful neglect of duty or other reasonable cause, shall be removed by the governor on the address of two-thirds of both houses of the legislature; the address to be by joint vote of both houses. The cause or causes for which such removal shall be required, shall be stated at length in such address, and on the journals of each house. The judge so intended to be removed, shall be notified and admitted to a hearing in his own defense, before the vote for such address shall pass; the vote on such address shall be taken by the yeas and nays, and entered on the journals of each house. *** SEND *** *** SSTART 028.0 004.0 0 MS 1861 *** SEC. 28. Judges of probate, clerks, sheriffs, and other county officers, for the wilful neglect of duty, or misdemeanor in office, shall be liable to presentment or indictment by a grand jury, and trial by a petit jury; and, upon conviction, shall be removed from office. *** SEND *** *** AEND *** *** ASTART 005.0 MS 1861 *** ARTICLE V. EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT. *** SSTART 001.0 005.0 0 MS 1861 *** SEC. 1. The chief executive power of this State shall be vested in a Governor, who shall hold his office for two years from the time of his installation. *** SEND *** *** SSTART 002.0 005.0 0 MS 1861 *** SEC. 2. The Governor shall be elected by the qualified electors of the State. The returns of every election for governor shall be sealed up and transmitted to the seat of government, directed to the Secretary of State, who shall deliver them to the speaker of the House of Representatives at the next ensuing session of the legislature, during the first week of which session he said speaker shall open and publish them in the presence of both houses of the legislature. The person having the highest number of votes shall be Governor; but if two or more shall be equal, and highest in votes, then one of them shall be chosen Governor by the joint ballot of both houses of the legislature. Contested election for Governor shall be determined by both houses of the legislature in such manner as prescribed by law. *** SEND *** *** SSTART 003.0 005.0 0 MS 1861 *** SEC. 3. The Governor shall be at least thirty years of age, shall have been a citizen of some one of the States composing the Confederate States of America, for twenty years, and shall resided in this State at least five years next preceeding the day of his election, and shall not be capable of holding the office more than four years in any term of six years. *** SEND *** *** SSTART 004.0 005.0 0 MS 1861 *** SEC. 4. He shall at all times receive for his services a compensation, which shall not be increased or diminished during the term for which he shall be elected. *** SEND *** *** SSTART 005.0 005.0 0 MS 1861 *** SEC. 5. He shall be commander-in-chief of the army and navy of this State, and of the militia, except when they shall be called into the service of the Confederate States of America. *** SEND *** *** SSTART 006.0 005.0 0 MS 1861 *** SEC. 6. He may require information, in writing, from the officers in the executive department, on any subject relating to the duties of their respective offices. *** SEND *** *** SSTART 007.0 005.0 0 MS 1861 *** SEC. 7. He may, in cases of emergency, convene the Legislature at the seat of government, or at different place, if that shall have become, since their last adjournment, dangerous from an enemy or from disease; an in case of disagreement between the two houses with respect to the time of adjournment, adjourn them to such time as he shall think proper, not beyond the day of the next stated meeting of the Legislature. *** SEND *** *** SSTART 008.0 005.0 0 MS 1861 *** SEC. 8. He shall, from time to time, give to the Legislature information of the state of the government, and recommend to their consideration such measures as he may deem necessary and expedient. *** SEND *** *** SSTART 009.0 005.0 0 MS 1861 *** SEC. 9. He shall take care that the laws be faithfully executed. *** SEND *** *** SSTART 010.0 005.0 0 MS 1861 *** SEC. 10. In all criminal and penal cases, except in those of treason and impeachment, he shall have power to grant reprieves and pardons, and remit fines, and in cases of forfeiture, to stay the collection until the end of the next session of the Legislature, and to remit forfeitures by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. In cases of treason, he shall have power to grant reprieves by and with the advice and consent of the Senate but may respite the sentence until the end of the next session of the Legislature. *** SEND *** *** SSTART 011.0 005.0 0 MS 1861 *** SEC. 11. All commissions shall be in th name and by the authority of the State of Mississippi, be sealed with the great seal, and signed by the Governor, and be attested by the Secretary of State. *** SEND *** *** SSTART 012.0 005.0 0 MS 1861 *** SEC. 12. There shall be a seal of this State, which shall be kept by the Governor, and used by him officially, and shall be called the Great Seal of the State of Mississippi. *** SEND *** *** SSTART 013.0 005.0 0 MS 1861 *** SEC. 13. All vacancies not provided for in this Constitution, shall be filled in such manner as the Legislature may prescribe. *** SEND *** *** SSTART 014.0 005.0 0 MS 1861 *** SEC. 14. The Secretary of State shall be elected by the qualified electors of the State, and shall continue in office during the term of two years. He shall keep a fair register of all the official acts and proceedings of the Governor, and shall, when required, lay the same, and all papers, minutes and vouchers relative thereto, before the Legislature, and shall perform other duties as may be required of him by law. *** SEND *** *** SSTART 015.0 005.0 0 MS 1861 *** SEC. 15. Every bill which shall have passed both houses of the Legislature, shall be presented to the Governor: if he approve, he shall sign it, but if not, he shall return it, with his objections, to the house in which it shall have originated, which shall enter the objections at large upon their journals, and proceed to reconsider it: if, after such reconsideration, two-thirds of the house shall agree to pass the bill, it shall be sent, with the objections, to the other house, by which it shall likewise be reconsidered: if approved by two-thirds of that house, it shall become a law; but in such case, the vot of both houses shall be determined by yeas and nays, and the names of the members voting for and against the bill shall be entered on the journal of each house respectively: if any bill shall not be returned by the Governor within six days(Sundays excepted) after it shall have been presented to him, the same shall become a law in like manner as if he had signed it, unless the Legislature, by their adjournment, prevent its return: in which case is shall not become a law. *** SEND *** *** SSTART 016.0 005.0 0 MS 1861 *** SEC. 16. Every order, resolution or vote to which the concurrence of both houses may be necessary, except resolutions for the purpose of obtaining the joint action of both houses, and on questions of adjournment, shall be presented to the Governor, and, before it shall take effect, be approved by him, or being disapproved, shall be re-passed by both houses, according to the rules and limitations prescribed in the case of a bill. *** SEND *** *** SSTART 017.0 005.0 0 MS 1861 *** SEC. 17. Whenever the office of Governor shall become vacant, by death, resignation, removal from office, or otherwise, the president of the Senate shall exercise the office of Governor until another Governor shall be duly qualified; and in case of the death, resignation, removal from office, or other disqualification of the president of the Senate, so exercising the office of Governor, the speaker of the House of Representatives shall exercise the office until the president of the Senate shall have been chosen; and when the office of Governor, president of the Senate, and Speaker of the House shall become vacant in the recess of the Senate, the person acting as Secretary of State for the time being, shall by proclamation, convene the Senate, that a president may be chosen to exercise the office of Governor. *** SEND *** *** SSTART 018.0 005.0 0 MS 1861 *** SEC. 18. When either the president or speaker of the House of Representatives shall so exercise said office, he shall receive the compensation of the Governor only; and his duties as president of speaker shall be suspended, and the Senate or House of Representatives, as the case may be shall fill the vacancy until his duties as Governor shall cease. *** SEND *** *** SSTART 019.0 005.0 0 MS 1861 *** SEC. 19. A sheriff and one or more coroners, a treasurer, surveyor and ranger, shall be elected in each county, by the qualified electors thereof; who shall hold their offices for two years, unless sooner removed: except that the coroner shall hold his office until his successor be duly qualified. *** SEND *** *** SSTART 020.0 005.0 0 MS 1861 *** SEC. 20. A State Treasurer and Auditor of Public Accounts shall be elected by the qualified electors of the State, who shall hold their offices for the term of two years, unless sooner removed. *** SEND *** *** AEND *** *** ASTART 9008.0 MS 1861 *** MILITIA *** SSTART 001.0 9008.0 0 MS 1861 *** SEC. 1. The Legislature shall provide, by law, for organizing and disciplining the militia of this State, in such manner as they may deem expedient, not incompatible with the Constitution and the laws of the Confederate States of America in relation thereto. *** SEND *** *** SSTART 002.0 9008.0 0 MS 1861 *** SEC. 2. Commissioned officers of the militia (staff officers and the officers of volunteer companies excepted,) shall be elected by the persons liable to perform military duty, and the qualified electors within their respective commands, and shall be commissioned by the Governor. *** SEND *** *** SSTART 003.0 9008.0 0 MS 1861 *** SEC. 3. The Governor shall have power to call forth the militia to execute the laws of the State, to suppress insurrection, and to repel invasion. *** SEND *** *** AEND *** *** ASTART 006.0 MS 1861 *** ARTICLE VI. IMPEACHMENTS. *** SSTART 001.0 006.0 0 MS 1861 *** SEC. 1. The House of Representatives shall have the sole power of impeaching. *** SEND *** *** SSTART 002.0 006.0 0 MS 1861 *** SEC. 2. All impeachments shall be tried by the Senate: when sitting for that purpose, the senators shall be on oath or affirmation: no person shall be convicted without the concurrence of two-thirds of the members present. *** SEND *** *** SSTART 003.0 006.0 0 MS 1861 *** SEC. 3. The Governor and all civil officers shall be liable to impeachment for any misdemeanor in office: but judgment in such cases shall not extend further than to removal from office, and disqualification to hold any office of honor, trust, or profit under the State; but the party convicted shall nevertheless, be subject to indictment, trail and punishment, according to law, as in other cases. *** SEND *** *** AEND *** *** ASTART 007.0 MS 1861 *** ARTICLE VII. GENERAL PROVISIONS. *** SSTART 001.0 007.0 0 MS 1861 *** SEC. 1. Members of the Legislature, attorneys and cousellors at law, and all officers, executive and judicial before they enter upon the duties of their respective offices: shall take the following oath or affirmation, to-wit: "I do solemnly swear, (or affirm, as the case may be,) that I will support the Constitution of the Confederate States of America, and the Constitution of the State of Mississippi, so long as I continue a citizen thereof, and that I will faithfully discharge, to the best of my abilities the duties of the office of , according to law So help me, God." *** SEND *** *** SSTART 002.0 007.0 0 MS 1861 *** SEC. 2. The legislature shall pass such laws to prevent the evil practice of dueling, as they may deem them necessary; and may require all officers before they enter upon the duties of their respective offices, to take the following oath or affirmation: "I do solemnly swear, (or affirm, as the case may be,) that I have not been engaged in a duel, by sending or accepting a challenge to fight a duel, or by fighting a duel, since the first day of January, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty-three, or will I be so engaged during my continuance in office So help me, God." *** SEND *** *** SSTART 003.0 007.0 0 MS 1861 *** SEC. 3. Treason against the State shall consist only in levying war against it, or in adhering to its enemies, giving them aid and comfort. No person shall be convicted of treason, unless on the testimony of two witnesses to the same overt act, or his own confession, in open court. *** SEND *** *** SSTART 004.0 007.0 0 MS 1861 *** SEC. 4. Every person shall be disqualified from holding an office or place of honor or profit under the authority of this State, who shall be convicted of having given or offered any bribe to secure his election. Laws shall be mad to exclude from office or suffrage those who shall hereafter be convicted -----------------------------------(MISSING TEXT HERE) crimes or misdemeanors. The privilege of the free suffrage shall be supported by laws regulating elections, and prohibiting, under adequate penalties, all undue influences therein, from power, bribery, tumult, or other improper conduct. *** SEND *** *** SSTART 005.0 007.0 0 MS 1861 *** SEC. 5. No person who denies the being of a God, or a future state of rewards and punishments, shall hold any office in the civil department of this State. *** SEND *** *** SSTART 006.0 007.0 0 MS 1861 *** SEC. 6. No laws of a general nature, unless otherwise provided for, shall be enforced until sixty days after the passage thereof. *** SEND *** *** SSTART 007.0 007.0 0 MS 1861 *** SEC. 7. No money shall be drawn from the treasury, but in consequence of an appropriation made by law: nor shall any appropriation of money for the support of an army be made for a longer term than one year. *** SEND *** *** SSTART 008.0 007.0 0 MS 1861 *** SEC. 8. No money from the treasury shall be appropriated to objects of internal improvement, unless the bill for that purpose be passed by two-thirds of both branches of the Legislature: and a regular statement and account of the receipts and expenditures of public moneys shall be published annually. *** SEND *** *** SSTART 009.0 007.0 0 MS 1861 *** SEC. 9. No law shall ever be passed to raise a loan of money upon the credit of the State, or to pledge the faith of the State for the redemption of any loan or debt, unless such law be proposed in the Senate or House of Representatives, and be agreed to by a majority of the members of each house, and entered on the journals, with the yeas and nays taken theron, and be referred to the next succeeding Legislature, and published for three months previous to the next regular election, in three newspapers of this State; and unless a majority of each branch of the Legislature so elected, after such publication, shall agree to and pass such a law: and in such case, the yeas and nays shall be taken and entered on the journals of each house; Provided, that nothing in this section shall be so construed as to prevent the Legislature from negotiating a further loan of one and a half millions of dollars, and vesting the same in stock reserved to the State by the charter of the Planters' Bank of the State of Mississippi. And provided further, That the Legislature may raise a loan of money and pledge the faith of the State for the payment thereof, when required to suppress insurrections, repel invasions, or provide for the defense of the State. *** SEND *** *** SSTART 010.0 007.0 0 MS 1861 *** SEC. 10. The Legislature shall direct, by law, in what manner, and in what courts suits may be brought against the State. *** SEND *** *** SSTART 011.0 007.0 0 MS 1861 *** SEC. 11. Absence on business of this State or of the Confederate States of America, or on a visit , or necessary private business, shall not cause a forfeiture of citizenship or residence once obtained. *** SEND *** *** SSTART 012.0 007.0 0 MS 1861 *** SEC. 12. It shall be the duty of the Legislature to regulate, by law, the cases in which deductions shall be made from salaries of public officers for neglect of duty in their official capacity; and the amount of such deduction. *** SEND *** *** SSTART 013.0 007.0 0 MS 1861 *** SEC. 13. No member of Congress nor any person holding any office of profit or trust under the Confederate States, (the office of postmaster excepted,) or any other State of the Confederacy, or under any foreign power, shall hold or exercise any office of trust or profit under this State. *** SEND *** *** SSTART 014.0 007.0 0 MS 1861 *** SEC. 14. Religion, morality and knowledge being necessary to good government, the preservation of liberty and the happiness of mankind, schools and the means of education shall forever be encouraged in this State. *** SEND *** *** SSTART 015.0 007.0 0 MS 1861 *** SEC. 15. Divorces from the bonds of matrimony shall not be granted but in cases provided for by law, by suit in chancery. *** SEND *** *** SSTART 016.0 007.0 0 MS 1861 *** SEC. 16. Returns of all elections by the people shall be made to the Secretary of State, in such manner as may be prescribed by law. *** SEND *** *** SSTART 017.0 007.0 0 MS 1861 *** SEC. 17. No new county shall be established by the legislature which shall reduce the county or counties, or either of them; from which it may be taken, to less contents than five hundred and sixty-six square miles; nor shall any new county be laid off of less contents. *** SEND *** *** SSTART 018.0 007.0 0 MS 1861 *** SEC. 18. The legislature shall have power to admit to all the fights and privileges of free white citizens of this State all such persons of the Choctaw and Chickasaw tribes of Indians as shall choose to remain in this State, upon such terms as the Legislature may from time to time deem proper. *** SEND *** *** AEND *** *** ASTART 9011.0 MS 1861 *** SLAVES. *** SSTART 001.0 9011.0 0 MS 1861 *** SEC. 1. The Legislature shall have no power to pass laws for the emancipation of slaves without the consent of their owners, unless where the slave shall have rendered to the State some distinguished service, in which case the owner shall be paid a full equivalent for the slave so emancipated. They shall have no power to prevent emigrants to this State from bringing with them such persons as are deemed slaves by the laws of any one of the United States, so long as any person of the same age or description shall be continued in slavery by age or description shall be continued in slavery by the laws of this State: Provided, that such person or slave be the bona fide property of such emigrants: and provided, also, that laws may be passed to prohibit the introduction into this State of slaves who may have committed high crimes in other States. They shall have power to pass laws to permit the owners of slaves to emancipate them, saving the rights of creditors and preventing them from becoming a public charge. They shall have full power to oblige the owners of slaves to treat them with humanity, to provide for them necessary clothing and provisions, to abstain from all injuries to them extending to life or limb, and in case of their neglect or refusal to comply with the directions of such laws, to have such slave or slaves sold for the benefit of the owner or owners. *** SEND *** *** SSTART 002.0 9011.0 0 MS 1861 *** SEC. 2. The introduction of slaves into this State as merchandize, or for sale, shall be prohibited from and after the first day of May, eighteen hundred and fifty-three: Provided, that the actual settler or settlers shall not be prohibited from purchasing slaves in any other State in this Union and bringing them into this State for their own individual use, until the year eighteen hundred and forty-five. *** SEND *** *** SSTART 003.0 9011.0 0 MS 1861 *** SEC. 3. In the prosecution of slaves for crimes of which the punishment is not capital, no inquest by a grand jury shall be necessary; but the proceedings in such cases shall be regulated by law. *** SEND *** *** AEND *** *** ASTART 9012.0 MS 1861 *** MODE OF REVISING THE CONSTITUTION. *** SSTART 001.0 9012.0 0 MS 1861 *** Whenever two-thirds of each branch of the legislature shall deem any change, alteration or amendment necessary to this constitution, such proposed change, alteration or amendment shall be read and passed by a majority of two-thirds of each house respectively on each day for three several days; public notice thereof shall then be given by the Secretary of State, at least six months preceding the next general election, at which the qualified electors shall vote directly for or against such change, alteration or amendment; and if it shall appear that a majority of the qualified electors voting for members of the legislature shall have voted for the proposed change, alteration or amendment, then it shall be inserted, by the next succeeding legislature, as a part of this constitution, and not otherwise. *** SEND *** *** AEND *** *** ASTART 9003.0 MS 1861 *** SCHEDULE. *** SSTART 001.0 9003.0 0 MS 1861 *** SEC. 1. All rights vested, and all liabilities incurred, shall remain the same as if this constitution had not been adopted. *** SEND *** *** SSTART 002.0 9003.0 0 MS 1861 *** SEC. 2. All suits at law or in equity, now pending in the several courts of this State, may be transferred to such courts as may have proper jurisdiction thereof. *** SEND *** *** SSTART 003.0 9003.0 0 MS 1861 *** SEC. 3. The Governor, and all officers, civil and military, now holding commissions under the authority of this State, shall continue to hold and exercise their respective offices until they shall be superseded pursuant to the provisions of this constitution, and until their successors be duly qualified. *** SEND *** *** SSTART 004.0 9003.0 0 MS 1861 *** SEC. 4. All laws now in force in the State, not repugnant to this Constitution, shall continue to operate until they shall expire by their own limitation, or be altered or repealed by the Legislature. *** SEND *** *** SSTART 005.0 9003.0 0 MS 1861 *** SEC. 5. Immediately upon the adoption of this constitution, the president of this convention shall issue writes of election, directed to the sheriffs of the several counties, requiring them to cause an election to be held on the first Monday and day following in December next, for members of the Legislature, at the respective places of holding elections in said counties; which elections shall be conducted in the manner prescribed by the existing election laws of the State; and the members of the Legislature, thus elected, shall continue in office until the next general election, and shall convene at the seat of government on the first Monday in January, eighteen hundred and thirty-three; and shall, at their first session, order an election to be held in every country of this State, on the first Monday of May and day following, eighteen hundred and thirty- three, for all state and country officers under this constitution, (members of the Legislature excepted:) and the other officers then elected shall continue in office until the succeeding general election, and after, in the same manner as if the election had taken place at the time last aforesaid. *** SEND *** *** SSTART 006.0 9003.0 0 MS 1861 *** SEC. 6. Until the first enumeration shall be made, as directed by this Constitution, the apportionment of senators and representatives among the several districts and counties in this State, shall remain as at present fixed by law. P. Rutilus R. Pray, President of the Convention and Representative from the county of Hancock. ATTEST: John H. Mallory, Secretary *** SEND *** *** AEND *** *** MSTART 001 001.0 004.0 0 MS 1861 1865 *** SECTION I. Be it ordained, That the special courts of equity heretofore and that may be hereafter established in this State by the provisional governor thereof, be, and the same are hereby, recognized to be in existence, but that in all cases the right and benefit of exceptions, bills of exceptions, writs of error, supersedeas, and appeals from said court or courts, to the high court of errors and appeals, for the revision and judgment of the latter court, shall be, and are hereby, secured to any party litigant in said court or courts, who may desire the same, as is now provided for and regulated by the laws of the State in cases of exceptions, writs of error, supersedeas, and appeals from the circuit and chancery courts of this State to the said court of errors and appeals; and the said court of errors and appeals shall take cognizance and jurisdiction of such cases, as in the case of appeal and writ of error from the circuit and chancery courts of this State: Provided, That such special courts and the proceedings had therein after the courts known to the constitution and laws of this State are established shall not be recognized beyond the then unfinished and instituted business of the same; and the records and papers of said special courts shall, upon their expiration, be deposited in the office of the clerks of the several circuit courts of this State, in whose counties the said special court or courts are or may be held, for the safe-keeping thereof, and may be authenticated thereafter as other records of said circuit and chancery courts. [ADOPTED, August 23, 1865. Poore, note this needs to be rechecked.] *** MEND *** *** MSTART 002 001.0 9099.0 0 MS 1861 1865 *** An ordinance to confer certain powers upon the legislature. SECTION I. Be it ordained, That the legislature of this State shall have full and complete, ample and plenary, power and right to ascertain, adjust, and settle any and all pecuniary liability and indebtedness of this State, or the citizens thereof, to the Government of the United States of America, under and by reason of the revenue-laws of the latter, either past, present, or future; and to provide by law or otherwise, in such way and manner, and on such terms as the legislature may in its opinion deem or declare to be most wise, judicious, and expedient for the ascertainment, adjustment, and present or ultimate settlement and payment of the same; hereby intending to confer, and actually conferring, upon the legislature of this State full and absolute power and right to pledge and use the faith and credit of the State, and to do and perform whatever is or may be necessary, proper, or expedient in the premises aforesaid. ADOPTED, August 24, 1865. *** MEND *** *** MSTART 003 012.0 001.0 0 MS 1861 1865 *** ARTICLE I. SEC. 12. So altered and amended as to read: That no person shall, for any indictable offence, be proceeded against criminally by information; except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the militia when in actual service, or by leave of the court, for misdemeanor in office: Provided, That the legislature in case of petit larceny, assault, assault and battery, affray, riot, unlawful assembly, drunkenness, vagrancy, and other misdemeanors of like character, may dispense with an inquest of a grand jury, and may authorize prosecutions before justices of the peace, or s~ch other inferior court or courts as may be established by the legislature; and the proceedings in such cases shall be regulated by law. [CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS, RATIFIED AUGUST 21, 1865. Poore, Note this needs to be checked.] *** MEND *** *** MSTART 004 001.0 008.0 0 MS 1861 1865 *** ART. VIII. So altered and amended as to read: The institution of slavery having been destroyed in the State of Mississippi, neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, otherwise than in the punishment of crimes, whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall hereafter exist in this State; and the legislature at its next session, and thereafter as the public welfare may require, shall provide by law for: the protection and security of the person and property of the. freedmen of the State, and guard them and the State against any evils that may arise from their sudden emancipation. [CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS, RATIFIED AUGUST 21, 1865. Poore, Note this needs to be checked. Note that this replaces an unnumbered article in the original constitution, which they are now calling article VIII. We coded it as 9011 "Slavery." Amendments 005, 006, 007, and 008 repeal article 9011 and its sections] *** MEND *** *** MSTART 005 000.0 9011.0 0 MS 1861 1865 *** [CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS, RATIFIED AUGUST 21, 1865. Poore, Note this needs to be checked. Amendment 004 creates a new article VIII, which replaces an unnumbered article which we as 9011 "Slavery." Amendments 005, 006, 007, and 008 repeal article 9011 and its sections.] *** MEND *** *** MSTART 006 001.0 9011.0 0 MS 1861 1865 *** [CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS, RATIFIED AUGUST 21, 1865. Poore, Note this needs to be checked. Repealed Amendment 004 creates a new article VIII, which replaces an unnumbered article which we as 9011 "Slavery." Amendments 005, 006, 007, and 008 repeal article 9011 and its sections.] *** MEND *** *** MSTART 007 002.0 9011.0 0 MS 1861 1865 *** [CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS, RATIFIED AUGUST 21, 1865. Poore, Note this needs to be checked. Repealed Amendment 004 creates a new article VIII, which replaces an unnumbered article which we as 9011 "Slavery." Amendments 005, 006, 007, and 008 repeal article 9011 and its sections.] *** MEND *** *** MSTART 008 003.0 9011.0 0 MS 1861 1865 *** Repealed [CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS, RATIFIED AUGUST 21, 1865. Poore, Note this needs to be checked. Amendment 004 creates a new article VIII, which replaces an unnumbered article which we as 9011 "Slavery." Amendments 005, 006, 007, and 008 repeal article 9011 and its sections.] *** MEND *** *** CEND ***