speech, by documents in print or in writing, or by any other
similar means, he shall, in the matter, be amenable to the
general law.

Article 53. The Members of both Houses shall, during the
session, be free from arrest, unless with the consent of the
House, except in cases of flagrant delicts, or of offenses
connected with a state of internal commotion or with a foreign
trouble.

Article 54. The Ministers of State and the Delegates of the
Government may, at any time, take seats and speak in either
House.

CHAPTER IV. THE MINISTERS OF STATE AND THE PRIVY COUNCIL

Article 55. The respective Ministers of State shall give
their advice to the Emperor, and be responsible for it.

(2) All Laws, Imperial Ordinances, and Imperial Rescripts of
whatever kind, that relate to the affairs of the state, require
the countersignature of a Minister of State.

Article 56. The Privy Councillors shall, in accordance with
the provisions for the organization of the Privy Council,
deliberate upon important matters of State when they have been
consulted by the Emperor.

CHAPTER V. THE JUDICATURE