FORBIDDEN LAWS.--To insure the people against improper legislation, the bill of rights provides:
That no ex post facto law or law impairing the validity of contracts, shall be made;
That no bill of attainder shall be passed;
That no power of suspending laws shall be exercised except by the legislature.
RIGHTS OF THE ACCUSED.--Among the worst abuses of tyranny in all ages have been the corruption of the courts and the denial of the rights of common justice. To guard against these it is expressly provided:
That the writ of habeas corpus shall not be suspended except when, in cases of rebellion or invasion, the public safety may require it;
That, except in capital cases, persons charged with crime may give bail;
That no excessive bail shall be required;
That all courts shall be open;
That the accused shall have a speedy trial in the district in which the offense was committed;