US Constitution, Amendment VI

Another amendment in the Bill of Rights that PROTECTS rights of people (it does NOT grant rights):

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.

This is a nice amendment and again something very different from the various governments that existed at the time. It is the amendment that really ensures that the guilty are the ones that go to jail.

You get a speedy, public trial in this country. Well, you did until the Patriot Act showed up. And if you're on trial, you get a jury. This right is also outlined in the body of the Constitution as well, so you can tell the founders really thought that a trial by jury was VERY important. Juries really do have the MOST power in this country -- if only they would exercise it.

You must be informed of the charges against you -- you cannot simply be held for no reason -- they have to tell you WHY.

Also notice that you have the right to confront the witnesses to the crime. In other words, if you can't find me someone to point at me and say that *I* did it, then you cannot convict me of the crime.

This amendment also describes that right that you have to assistance with your trial -- if you don't know the legal system, the government must provide you with a guide (lawyer).

Posted by: Ogre at 04:01 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
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