Constitution of the State of Wisconsin
1848
Wisconsin's constitution was adopted in 1848, the year of its admission to the Union, making it one of the older state constitutions still in active use. The document was the product of a second constitutional convention, the first having produced a draft that voters rejected in 1846 largely because it was considered too radical in its provisions on married women's property rights and banking restrictions. The 1848 version was more moderate and passed easily. It reflects the reform currents of antebellum American politics, including strong provisions for public education and limitations on legislative debt, and has been amended many times since while retaining its original structure as one of the most durable organic laws in the Midwest.
Preamble
We, the people of Wisconsin, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, in order to secure its blessings, form a more perfect government, insure domestic tranquility and promote the general welfare, do establish this constitution.
Article I — Declaration of Rights
Section 1. EQUALITY; INHERENT RIGHTS. All people are born equally free and independent, and have certain inherent rights; among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness; to secure these rights, governments are instituted, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. Section 2. SLAVERY PROHIBITED. There shall be neither slavery, nor involuntary servitude in this state, otherwise than for the punishment of crime, whereof the party shall have been duly convicted. Section 3. FREE SPEECH; LIBEL. Every person may freely speak, write and publish his sentiments on all subjects, being responsible for the abuse of that right, and no laws shall be passed to restrain or abridge the liberty of speech or of the press. In all criminal 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 be 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 fact. Section 11. SEARCHES AND SEIZURES. 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 warrant 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.