Amendment VI
Right to Speedy Trial, Jury & Counsel
Ratified December 15, 1791
The Sixth Amendment defines the procedural rights of criminal defendants. Gideon v. Wainwright (1963) held that the right to counsel applies to state criminal trials; Crawford v. Washington (2004) strengthened the Confrontation Clause by requiring the live testimony of witnesses whose statements are offered against a defendant.
Full Text
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.
Annotated Version
The Bill of Rights document includes phrase highlights and court case references for this amendment.
Constitutional Framework
Original Text
U.S. Constitution
Articles I–VII (1787). The three branches, enumerated powers, and the framework these amendments modify.
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Amendments I–X
Bill of Rights
Ratified December 15, 1791. Freedom of religion, speech, press, arms, due process, and more.
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Amendments XI–XXVII
Later Amendments
Ratified 1795–1992. Abolition of slavery, equal protection, women's suffrage, and more.
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