{"id":352399,"date":"2023-12-14T13:07:49","date_gmt":"2023-12-14T18:07:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/criminal\/criminal-rights\/u-s-constitution-sixth-amendment.html"},"modified":"2023-12-14T13:07:49","modified_gmt":"2023-12-14T18:07:49","slug":"u-s-constitution-sixth-amendment","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-rights\/u-s-constitution-sixth-amendment.html","title":{"rendered":"U.S. Constitution: Sixth Amendment"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 fl-sectionWithSidebar fl-container fl-flex fl-flex-wrap fl-gap30\">\n<div class=\"fl-page-articles fl-section-main fl-section-main-full-width\"><h1 class=\"fl-no-margin-top\">U.S. Constitution: Sixth Amendment<\/h1>\n\n<section class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline\">\n    <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-content\">\n                    By <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/samuel-strom-j-d\/\">Samuel Strom, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by <a\n                href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/rhonda-earhart-esq\/\">Rhonda Earhart, Esq.<\/a>\n                | Last updated\n        <time>\n                            December 14, 2023\n                    <\/time>\n    <\/div>\n\n    \n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-legally-reviewed\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Legally Reviewed\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team.html\">FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/company-history\/editorial-policy.html\">our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n\n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-fast-checked\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Fact-Checked\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/contributing-authors.html\">contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/?fli=bylinelink\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n    <div class=\"fl-callout-text article-blockquote\">\n        <p>The Sixth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution guarantees several rights to the accused in criminal prosecutions. These include the right to a speedy trial by an impartial jury, the right to confront witnesses, and the right to legal counsel. These rights ensure defendants receive a fair trial.<\/p>\n\n    <\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>The Sixth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution addresses the rights of the accused. These rights include the following:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The right to a\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-rights\/what-is-a-fair-trial-.html\">fair<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/legalblogs\/criminal-defense\/right-to-a-speedy-trial-what-does-it-mean\/\">speedy trial<\/a>\u00a0by an impartial jury<\/li>\n<li>The right to notification of the nature and cause of their\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-charges.html\">criminal charges<\/a><\/li>\n<li>The right to\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-rights\/the-6th-amendment-s-confrontation-clause.html\">confront witnesses<\/a>\u00a0called against them<\/li>\n<li>The right to\u00a0subpoena and call witnesses\u00a0and present evidence<\/li>\n<li>The\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-rights\/the-right-to-counsel.html\">right to legal counsel<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>This article summarizes the\u00a0Sixth Amendment&#8217;s\u00a0rights of the accused. It also links to annotations that provide more context for the rights.<\/p>\n<p>If you&#8217;re facing a criminal charge and need targeted legal advice, contact a\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/criminal-law\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">criminal defense attorney<\/a>\u00a0in your area. An experienced attorney can reivew your specific situtation and advise on the best defense possible.<\/p>\n<h2>Sixth Amendment Text<\/h2>\n<p><i>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.<\/i><\/p>\n<h2>Trial Rights<\/h2>\n<p>The Sixth Amendment provides several guarantees regarding a criminal defendant&#8217;s trial. It provides for a right to a\u00a0speedy\u00a0and public trial, and an impartial jury of the defendant&#8217;s peers shall decide the case.<\/p>\n<p>Central to the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-law-basics\/how-does-the-criminal-justice-system-work.html\">criminal justice system<\/a>\u00a0is the idea that a\u00a0criminal defendant\u00a0has a right to a fair trial. The combination of several amendments in the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/constitution.findlaw.com\/bill-of-rights.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Bill of Rights<\/a>\u00a0guarantees the right to a fair trial.<\/p>\n<p>A fair trial is a hallmark of a civilized society. It publicly demonstrates the equal protection and application of the law. It educates the public about the law and legitimizes the criminal justice system. It also prevents secret trials, where corruption could sneak into the justice system.<\/p>\n<p>Note that the Sixth Amendment rights only apply to\u00a0criminal\u00a0cases. They do not apply to\u00a0civil cases. Additionally, the Sixth Amendment right applies to the states via the\u00a0<a style=\"background-color: #ffffff\" href=\"https:\/\/constitution.findlaw.com\/amendment14\/annotation03.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment<\/a>. Therefore, these rights apply in both\u00a0<a style=\"background-color: #ffffff\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/litigation\/legal-system\/court-systems-judges-and-the-law.html\">state and federal courts<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>The right to a public trial helps ensure a criminal defendant receives a fair trial. The\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/constitution.findlaw.com\/amendment6\/annotation02.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Sixth Amendment Right to a Public Trial annotation<\/a>\u00a0summarizes the right and its rationale. It also covers its history, how Supreme Court decisions have defined the speedy and public trial, and what happens when the government violates the right.<\/p>\n<h3>Right to a Jury Trial<\/h3>\n<p>The Sixth Amendment guarantees a defendant the right to a\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-rights\/the-right-to-a-jury-trial.html\">trial by jury<\/a>. It provides the constitutional right to a jury of the defendant&#8217;s peers. This means the jury is comprised of a cross-section of the community in the county where the trial occurs.<\/p>\n<p>Potential\u00a0jurors\u00a0go through a\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-procedure\/how-are-potential-jurors-selected.html\">jury selection process<\/a>\u00a0before the trial begins. The process ensures the jurors can fairly consider the evidence and arguments at trial. Parties may use\u00a0peremptory challenges\u00a0to keep some potential jurors out of the jury trial. This means an attorney can reject a prospective juror without needing to provide a reason.<\/p>\n<p>The jury serves an important role in criminal trials. They are the\u00a0trier of fact\u00a0and decide whether to\u00a0convict\u00a0or\u00a0acquit\u00a0the defendant.\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/constitution.findlaw.com\/amendment6\/annotation03.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">The Sixth Amendment Right to a Trial By Jury<\/a> annotation\u00a0summarizes the jury&#8217;s role in the trial.<\/p>\n<p>Not every criminal charge provides the right to a jury trial. Specifically, the right to a jury trial doesn&#8217;t apply to petty offenses or crimes carrying six months or less of jail time. The Sixth Amendment annotation <a href=\"https:\/\/constitution.findlaw.com\/amendment6\/annotation04.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">detailing these exceptions<\/a> also discusses Supreme Court cases that shaped the right to a jury trial.<\/p>\n<p>Given the significance of the jury in criminal law, it is important to understand how jurors are selected. The\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/constitution.findlaw.com\/amendment6\/annotation05.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Jury Selection and Bias Under the Sixth Amendment annotation<\/a>\u00a0describes jury selection in detail. It also describes the rationale behind an impartial jury and its importance in the criminal justice system.<\/p>\n<h3>Right to a Speedy Trial<\/h3>\n<p>The Sixth Amendment also guarantees the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-rights\/right-to-a-speedy-jury-trial.html\">right to a speedy trial<\/a>. A speedy trial is held within a reasonable time and without undue delay. This protects the defendant&#8217;s right against the government indefinitely holding them in jail or prison.<\/p>\n<p>The right to a speedy trial is an enumerated right. It prevents the government from incarcerating a person for an unreasonable amount of time before their trial.\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/constitution.findlaw.com\/amendment6\/annotation01.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">The Sixth Amendment Right to a Speedy Trial annotation<\/a>\u00a0describes this right in detail. It also covers:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>How the Supreme Court has interpreted the right<\/li>\n<li>Summarizes when the right to a speedy trial applies<\/li>\n<li>Clarifies\u00a0what \u201cspeedy&#8221; means<\/li>\n<li>Details its history and rationale<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Right of Confrontation<\/h3>\n<p>A criminal defendant has the right to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-rights\/the-6th-amendment-s-confrontation-clause.html\">confront the prosecution&#8217;s witnesses<\/a> who testify against them. This is known as the\u00a0confrontation clause. It allows defendants the ability to\u00a0cross-examine\u00a0the government&#8217;s witnesses. The right also prevents the government from introducing\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-procedure\/hearsay-evidence.html\">out-of-court statements<\/a>\u00a0(hearsay) if the witness is unavailable for the trial. But, there are some exceptions to the hearsay rule.<\/p>\n<p>Criminal defendants have the right to be notified of the nature of the charges against them. They also have the right to confront witnesses brought against them.\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/constitution.findlaw.com\/amendment6\/annotation06.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">The Notice and Confrontation of Witnesses Under the Sixth Amendment annotation<\/a>\u00a0describes the history and rationale of these rights. It also covers important Supreme Court cases that clarify these rights and their exceptions.<\/p>\n<h2>Right to Counsel<\/h2>\n<p>The Sixth Amendment&#8217;s text is just one sentence but has generated much case law in the state and federal courts. Some of the cases involving the Sixth Amendment have significantly expanded its reach. For instance, the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-rights\/right-to-counsel.html\">right to legal counsel<\/a>\u00a0has been expanded to cover the following:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-rights\/judicial-proceedings-and-custodial-interrogation.html\">interrogation phase<\/a>\u00a0of a criminal investigation<\/li>\n<li>The\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-procedure\/criminal-trial.html\">trial<\/a>\u00a0itself<\/li>\n<li>Sentencing<\/li>\n<li>At least an initial\u00a0appeal\u00a0of any\u00a0conviction<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Perhaps the most well-known\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/supreme.findlaw.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">U.S. Supreme Court<\/a>\u00a0case considering the rights conferred under the Sixth Amendment is\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/caselaw.findlaw.com\/court\/us-supreme-court\/372\/335.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><i>Gideon v. Wainwright<\/i><\/a>\u00a0(1963). That case ruled that the right to counsel guaranteed under the federal Constitution also applies to the states\u00a0via the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/constitution.findlaw.com\/amendment14.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Fourteenth Amendment<\/a>. The right to counsel applies to both felonies and\u00a0misdemeanors.<\/p>\n<p>The petitioner in that case, Clarence Earl Gideon, was charged with\u00a0felony\u00a0breaking and entering\u00a0in Florida. He could not afford a defense attorney, so he asked the\u00a0judge\u00a0to appoint an attorney on his behalf.<\/p>\n<p>At the time, Florida only offered court-appointed attorneys for\u00a0indigent defendants\u00a0in\u00a0capital cases. The Supreme Court\u00a0overturned\u00a0that ruling, setting a\u00a0precedent\u00a0among all state courts. Defendants have a Sixth Amendment right to counsel in all criminal cases in which jail or prison is a possibility.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/constitution.findlaw.com\/amendment6\/annotation07.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">The Sixth Amendment Right to an Attorney annotation<\/a>\u00a0details the right to legal counsel and the development of the right to counsel. For example, indigent defendants did not have an\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/caselaw.findlaw.com\/court\/us-supreme-court\/304\/458.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">absolute right to an attorney<\/a>\u00a0until 1938.<\/p>\n<p>The\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/constitution.findlaw.com\/amendment6\/annotation08.html#1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">When the Right to an Attorney Applies annotation<\/a>\u00a0also provides information about the right to an attorney. A criminal defendant is not guaranteed the right to an attorney in some\u00a0judicial proceedings, but this is rare.<\/p>\n<h3>Ineffective Assistance of Counsel<\/h3>\n<p>Not only do defendants have a right to an attorney, they also have the right to a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-rights\/the-right-to-adequate-representation.html\">competent attorney<\/a>. Simply having an attorney is not enough; the attorney must fervently advocate for their client.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/constitution.findlaw.com\/amendment6\/annotation09.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">The Sixth Amendment Right to Effective Assistance of Counsel annotation<\/a>\u00a0describes this right. It specifically addresses the\u00a0duties an attorney owes\u00a0to their client and what happens if the attorney breaches these duties. It describes the absolute right to counsel at trial and provides examples of cases where the effective assistance of the attorney was at issue.<\/p>\n<h2>Protect Your Sixth Amendment Rights: Contact an Attorney<\/h2>\n<p>If you&#8217;re facing criminal charges, it&#8217;s important to understand all of your rights. For example, you must actively assert your rights during legal proceedings, or you may unintentionally waive them. To avoid this outcome and ensure your rights are fully protected, consult a\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/criminal-law\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">criminal defense attorney<\/a>\u00a0near you\u00a0to discuss your case.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"was-this-helpful\">\n    <div\n            class=\"was-this-helpful__question-container\"\n            aria-labelledby=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n            role=\"group\"\n    >\n        <span\n                id=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__question fl-text-lg-bold\"\n        >Was this helpful?<\/span>\n        <button\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__button fl-text-sm\"\n                aria-label=\"Yes\"\n                value=\"yes\"\n        >\n            <span class=\"was-this-helpful__button-text fl-text-bold\">Yes<\/span>\n            <i class=\"was-this-helpful__button-icon\">\n                <svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewBox=\"0 0 22 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<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Sixth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution details the rights of an accused in criminal prosecutions. 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