Before legislators make new laws, they need to do one thing first:
Read the Wyoming State Constitution! and the U.S. Constitution!
Why are these documents so important? it is the law, taking the sovereignty out of the hands of the government (servants) and ensuring that it is entirely with the citizens.
Following is the oath that Wyoming Legislators take, it is a shame they take it so lightly:
“I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support, obey and defend the constitution of the United States, and the constitution of the state of Wyoming; that I have not knowingly violated any law related to my election or appointment, or caused it to be done by others; and that I will discharge the duties of my office with fidelity.”
Question, how can someone defend something when they don’t know or understand what it says?
97-1-024. Right to bear arms.
The right of citizens to bear arms in defense of themselves and of the state shall not be denied.
Does it say except by the Legislators, Police Or Any Other Entity?
NO, it says - “SHALL NOT BE DENIED”.
It doesn’t say, HOW OR WHEN, but is says does say WHY - “IN DEFENSE OF THEMSELVES”
The individual right to keep and bear arms, being a fundamental individual right that predates the United States Constitution and Wyoming Constitution, and being a constitutionally protected right in every part of Wyoming, The Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and Article 1 Section 24 of the Wyoming State Constitution, IS MY LICENSE TO CARRY - PERIOD.
This should be the only message to our legislators.
More from the Wyoming State Constitution or if you want to go to the state page click here
Remember all of it works together.
97-1-004. Security against search and seizure.
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 affidavit, particularly describing the place to be searched or the person or thing to be seized.
97-1-011. Self-incrimination; jeopardy.
No person shall be compelled to testify against himself in any criminal case, nor shall any person be twice put in jeopardy for the same offense. If a jury disagree, or if the judgment be arrested after a verdict, or if the judgment be reversed for error in law, the accused shall not be deemed to have been in jeopardy.
97-1-001. Power inherent in the people.
All power is inherent in the people, and all free governments are founded on their authority, and instituted for their peace, safety and happiness; for the advancement of these ends they have at all times an inalienable and indefeasible right to alter, reform or abolish the government in such manner as they may think proper.
97-1-036. Rights not enumerated reserved to people.
The enumeration in this constitution, of certain rights shall not be construed to deny, impair, or disparage others retained by the people.
97-1-006. Due process of law.
No person shall be deprived of life, liberty or property without due process of law.
97-1-007. No absolute, arbitrary power.
Absolute, arbitrary power over the lives, liberty and property of freemen exists nowhere in a republic, not even in the largest majority.
97-1-020. Freedom of speech and press; libel; truth a defense.
Every person may freely speak, write and publish on all subjects, being responsible for the abuse of that right; and in all trials for libel, both civil and criminal, the truth, when published with good intent and [for] justifiable ends, shall be a sufficient defense, the jury having the right to determine the facts and the law, under direction of the court.
97-1-021. Right of petition and peaceable assembly.
The right of petition, and of the people peaceably to assemble to consult for the common good, and to make known their opinions, shall never be denied or abridged.
97-6-008. Soldiers stationed in state not considered residents.
No soldier, seaman, or marine in the army or navy of the United States shall be deemed a resident of this state in consequence of his being stationed therein.
97-20-001. How amendments proposed by legislature and submitted to people.
Any amendment or amendments to this constitution may be proposed in either branch of the legislature, and, if the same shall be agreed to by two-thirds of all the members of each of the two houses, voting separately, such proposed amendment or amendments shall, with the yeas and nays thereon, be entered on their journals, and it shall be the duty of the legislature to submit such amendment or amendments to the electors of the state at the next general election, and cause the same to be published without delay for at least twelve (12) consecutive weeks, prior to said election, in at least one newspaper of general circulation, published in each county, and if a majority of the electors shall ratify the same, such amendment or amendments shall become a part of this constitution.
97-1-008. Courts open to all; suits against state.
All courts shall be open and every person for an injury done to person, reputation or property shall have justice administered without sale, denial or delay. Suits may be brought against the state in such manner and in such courts as the legislature may by law direct.
97-1-010. Right of accused to defend.
In all criminal prosecutions the accused shall have the right to defend in person and by counsel, to demand the nature and cause of the accusation, to have a copy thereof, to be confronted with the witnesses against him, to have compulsory process served for obtaining witnesses, and to a speedy trial by an impartial jury of the county or district in which the offense is alleged to have been committed.� When the location of the offense cannot be established with certainty, venue may be placed in the county or district where the corpus delecti [delicti] is found, or in any county or district in which the victim was transported.
97-1-012. Detaining witnesses.
No person shall be detained as a witness in any criminal prosecution longer than may be necessary to take his testimony or deposition, nor be confined in any room where criminals are imprisoned.
97-1-013. Indictment.
Until otherwise provided by law, no person shall, for a felony, be proceeded against criminally, otherwise than by indictment, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the militia when in actual service in time of war or public danger.
97-1-018. Religious liberty.
The free exercise and enjoyment of religious profession and worship without discrimination or preference shall be forever guaranteed in this state, and no person shall be rendered incompetent to hold any office of trust or profit, or to serve as a witness or juror, because of his opinion on any matter of religious belief whatever; but the liberty of conscience hereby secured shall not be so construed as to excuse acts of licentiousness or justify practices inconsistent with the peace or safety of the state.
97-1-025. Military subordinate to civil power; quartering soldiers.
The military shall ever be in strict subordination to the civil power. No soldier in time of peace shall be quartered in any house without consent of the owner, nor in time of war except in the manner prescribed by law.
97-19-006. Importing armed bodies to suppress violence prohibited; exception.
No armed police force, or detective agency, or armed body, or unarmed body of men, shall ever be brought into this state, for the suppression of domestic violence, except upon the application of the legislature, or executive, when the legislature cannot be convened.
97-1-029. Rights of aliens.
No distinction shall ever be made by law between resident aliens and citizens as to the possession, taxation, enjoyment and descent of property.
97-6-009. Educational qualifications of electors.
No person shall have the right to vote who shall not be able to read the constitution of this state. The provisions of this section shall not apply to any person prevented by physical disability from complying with its requirements.
97-6-020. Oath of office; form.
Senators and representatives and all judicial, state and county officers shall, before entering on the duties of their respective offices, take and subscribe the following oath or affirmation: “I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support, obey and defend the constitution of the United States, and the constitution of the state of Wyoming; that I have not knowingly violated any law related to my election or appointment, or caused it to be done by others; and that I will discharge the duties of my office with fidelity.”
To view the Wyoming State Constitution in full- click here
