Constitution Cards

All cards โ€บ Amendment VI

Amendment VI: Right to a fair and speedy trial

Passed by Congress September 25, 1789. Ratified December 15, 1791. ยท Part of the Bill of Rights

In plain English

In criminal cases you get a speedy, public trial by an impartial jury, the right to know the charges, to confront witnesses, to call your own and to have a lawyer.

Original 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.

Plain-English summaries are simplified for learning. Courts interpret these words in detail; this is general information, not legal advice.

Source: National Archives