Rights in Criminal Prosecutions

"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."

The Sixth Amendment lists the rights a person has when accused of a crime: a speedy and public trial, an impartial jury, notice of the charges, the ability to confront witnesses and call their own, and the assistance of a lawyer. Proposals about court funding and public defenders connect directly to these guarantees.