Decree of the Reich President for the Protection of the People and State
(The Reichstag Fire Decree)
February 28, 1933

On the basis of Article 48 paragraph 2 of the Constitution of the German Reich, the following is ordered in defense against Communist acts of violence that endanger the state:

§ 1. Articles 114, 115, 117, 118, 123, 124 and 153 of the Constitution of the German Reich are suspended until further notice. The following are therefore permitted: limits on personal freedom, freedom of opinion, including the freedom of the press, the freedom to organize and assemble, the privacy of postal, telegraphic and telephonic communications, and warrants for house searches, orders for confiscations of property as well as restrictions on property beyond the legal limits otherwise prescribed.

§ 2. If any state fails to take the necessary measures to restore public safety and order, the Reich government may temporarily exercise the powers of the highest state authorities.

§ 3. State and local authorities must obey regulations issued by the Reich government based on § 2.

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§ 5 The following crimes currently punished by life imprisonment are now to be punished by death: high treason, poisoning, arson, causing explosions, causing floods, damaging railways….