Upholding the Constitution. Protecting Your Rights.
The Sheriff swears an oath to defend the Constitution — not political parties, not political agendas, not special interests. The Constitution defines the limits of government and protects the rights of the people.
Constitution of the United States
The Constitution of the United States is the foundational document that establishes our system of government, defines its authority, and protects the rights and liberties of the people.
Every Sheriff in North Carolina takes a solemn oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of North Carolina, and to faithfully discharge the duties of the office.
That oath is not ceremonial — it is a binding commitment to uphold the rule of law, respect due process, protect individual freedoms, and ensure that justice is administered fairly and without favoritism.
The Constitution sets the boundaries of lawful authority, and the Sheriff’s responsibility is to operate within those boundaries every single day.
Freedom of Religion, Speech, Press, Assembly, and Petition
Protects the right to speak freely, practice religion, gather peacefully, and petition the government.
Why it matters to voters: It ensures citizens can express concerns, criticize government, organize in their communities, and hold elected officials accountable without fear of punishment.
Amendment III
Quartering of Soldiers
Prohibits the government from housing soldiers in private homes without consent.
Why it matters to voters: It reinforces the principle that the government cannot intrude into private property without lawful authority.
Amendment I
The Bill of Rights:
Protecting Your Freedoms
The Bill of Rights is the first ten amendments to the Constitution of the United States, adopted to guarantee the fundamental freedoms of the people.
It protects core liberties such as freedom of speech, freedom of religion, the right to bear arms, due process, protection from unreasonable searches and seizures, and the right to a fair trial.
These protections directly shape how government, including law enforcement, interacts with citizens.
For voters, the Bill of Rights matters because it sets clear boundaries on government power and ensures that individual freedoms are preserved.
Every public official, especially those entrusted with enforcing the law, has a duty to respect and uphold these constitutional protections without exception.
Amendment II
Right to Keep and Bear Arms
Protects the individual right to keep and bear arms.
Why it matters to voters: It affirms the right of lawful citizens to own firearms while placing responsibility on the government to enforce laws within constitutional boundaries.
Amendment IV
Protection from Unreasonable Searches and Seizures
Requires warrants based on probable cause for searches and arrests.
Why it matters to voters: It protects privacy and ensures law enforcement actions are based on lawful process — not arbitrary decisions.
Amendment V
Amendment VI
Due Process and Protection from Self-Incrimination
Guarantees due process of law and protects against being compelled to testify against oneself.
Why it matters to voters: It ensures fairness in the justice system and protects individuals from government overreach.
Right to a Fair and Speedy Trial
Guarantees a public trial, an impartial jury, and the right to legal counsel.
Why it matters to voters: It ensures that accusations are handled fairly and efficiently, protecting both public safety and individual rights.
Amendment VIII
Amendment VII
Right to Jury Trial in Civil Cases
Preserves the right to trial by jury in certain civil cases.
Why it matters to voters: It allows citizens — not just judges — to resolve disputes and determine accountability in civil matters.
Protection from Excessive Bail and Cruel and Unusual Punishment
Prohibits excessive bail, excessive fines, and cruel or unusual punishment.
Why it matters to voters: It ensures penalties are proportionate and justice is administered with fairness and humanity.
Amendment IX
Amendment X
Rights Retained by the People
Clarifies that people retain rights beyond those specifically listed in the Constitution.
Why it matters to voters: It reinforces that government power is limited and that individual liberties extend beyond what is explicitly written.
Powers Reserved to the States and the People
Reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states or the people.
Why it matters to voters: It preserves local authority and ensures that decisions are not unnecessarily centralized in Washington.