The Sixth Amendment to the United States Constitution provides that a person accused of a crime has the right to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation, 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 Missouri, as in all states, the Sixth Amendment of the United States Constitution guarantees fundamental rights to individuals accused of crimes. This includes 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 evidence against them, have the opportunity to confront and cross-examine witnesses, and have the means to compel witnesses to testify on their behalf. Additionally, the accused has the right to the assistance of an attorney for their defense. Missouri state statutes and court rules provide further details on how these rights are implemented, ensuring that the accused receives a fair trial. For instance, Missouri has specific rules regarding the selection and conduct of juries, procedures for pre-trial discovery, and the appointment of public defenders for those who cannot afford an attorney.