Sixth Amendment


The Sixth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution reads as follows:

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 defence.

The amendment provides for the following rights to defendants facing criminal prosecutions:

  • Right to a speedy trial;
  • Right to public trial;
  • Right to trial by an impartial jury;
  • Right to be informed of the nature of the accusation;
  • Right to confront witnesses (the confrontation clause);
  • Right to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in the accused’s favor; and
  • Right to assistance of counsel.

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