The Sixth Amendment to the United States Constitution provides that a person accused of a crime has the right to be confronted with the witnesses against him (the confrontation clause), and states that:
“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 defense.”
In Texas, as in all states, the Sixth Amendment of the United States Constitution guarantees criminal defendants certain rights to ensure a fair trial. These rights include the right to a speedy and public trial by an impartial jury in the state and district where the crime was committed. The accused must be informed of the charges and have the opportunity to confront and cross-examine all witnesses testifying against them. Additionally, defendants in Texas have the right to subpoena witnesses in their favor and the right to have an attorney for their defense. If a defendant cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed to them at no cost. Texas courts are bound by these constitutional protections and have developed procedures to ensure these rights are upheld, including rules regarding the selection of juries, the timing of trials, and the conduct of criminal proceedings.
