Tuesday, Jun. 28, 2011

The Sixth Amendment and Your Right to a Speedy, Public Trial

The sixth amendment guarantees the right to a speedy trial by jury in the district where the crime was committed and the opportunity to question witnesses. It's fundamental to modern justice.

Amendment VI
In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the assistance of counsel for his defense.