Public and Speedy Trial (6th)
By: Donald Scharn, Blake Peterson, and Tristan Flint
6th Amendment
- Guarantees a citizen speedy trial
- A fair jury
- Right to a attorney (if wanted)
- The right to see the person who is making the accusations
- The right to find witnesses who will speak in favor of the accused
Background
- Keeps trials fair
- Can ruin your reputation
- Guarantees a lawyer
Media attention
- Bill of Rights
- Established the procedures Governing criminal courts
- "Justice delayed is justice denied"
- Amendment balances societal and individual rights by requiring a “speedy” trial
- Satisfies the democratic expectation of transparency and fairness by requiring public trials with impartial jurors
Effects
Sixth Amendment:
Provides protection from the media during cases so that individuals don't get an unfair trial due to media publicity and public opinion.
Significant Cases and Figures
Predictions
- Gideon vs. Wainwright
- No right to attorney, and had an unfair trial, charged with breaking and entering and attempted misdemeanor.
- Smith vs. Illinois
- Confrontation clause, right to confront witness was violated. Charged with Illegal sale of narcotics.
- Bruton vs. US
- Confrontation clause, right to cross examine a witness.
- Ineffective attorneys
- Wrong decisions
- Creates problems